If you are planning on heading to Vancouver for the Olympic Winter Games, it’s probably already clear to you that finding a place to stay in the city is near impossible, but that doesn’t mean you can’t party at the hotel.

If you are looking for a good time, head over to the Opus Hotel, located in the heart of Yaletown and soon to be Olympic party scene. Their restaurant Elixir Bistro is perfect if you love classical French cuisine or is a great place for a delicious post-game cocktail.

For the Olympic Games Elixir Bistro’s bar has created Medal Cocktails so everyone can get a taste of Olympic victory. The Gold Medal is the winner on this menu combining Grey Goose, Navan and gold flakes. Second place is the delicious Silver Medal with Hendrick’s Gin, rose water, vermouth, smoked sea salt and silver flakes and coming in third with the Bronze Medal is created with Maker’s Mark, Calvados, vermouth and bronze powder. Mmm sounds good to me!

Aside from the great drinks Elixir also wins the gold for great food. Perfect for brunch, lunch or dinner, Elixir Bistro uses only the finest ingredients while honoring sustainable seafood practices. Let Executive Chef Don Letendre and Chef du Cuisine Keiran Flaherty show you how food is supposed to taste. You wont be disappointed!

Although the Opus Hotel is fully booked during the Olympic Games, the next time you are in Vancouver be sure to book your stay at the Opus Hotel though Kiwi Collection.

Vancouver, Canada is known to be one of the most beautiful cities on earth and when looking for a place to stay here, look no further than the Fairmont Pacific Rim. Opening just in time for Vancouver’s 2010 Winter Olympic Games, be the first to come and stay at this amazing luxury hotel.

Set in the heart of this city’s historic port at the edge of Coal Harbour directly across from the breathtaking views of the North Shore Mountains, the Fairmont Pacific Rim is the perfect starting point to discover all that the city has to offer.

Each of the spacious guest rooms offer all of the modern amenities, with sleek furnishings, expansive bathrooms, luxuriously comfy beds and of course amazing mountains and city park views.

Come and spend your days here exploring the fabulous shopping at the luxury boutiques of downtown, get inspired at the Vancouver Art Gallery, bike along the water’s edge on the sea wall, stroll though the world-famous Stanley Park or indulge in Gastown’s delicious restaurants all within walking distance from the Pacific Rim. Or if you feel like talking it easy, relax alongside the hotels roof top pool, compete with private cabanas and fire pits and take in natures beauty that surrounds you.

If you are itching for something a little more adventurous, the hotel is just minute away from a helipad which can take you on a tour of the surrounding mountains and ocean, perfect for the photographer at heart or just to take it all in.

After a long day of sightseeing be sure to rest up in the hotel’s Willow Stream Spa. In true Vancouver style, all of the treatments here are pure and natural using only the most organic of ingredients. The spa also offers a tranquil lounge, yoga studio as well as a boutique or Willow Stream’s signature products

Perfect for business or pleasure, the Fairmont Pacific Rim is the ultimate luxury oasis in the heart of this gorgeous city making it one trip you will never forget.

With the Olympics only a week away, we thought it would be fitting to showcase all of our luxury hotels in Vancouver along with the games official alcohol sponsor, Molson Canadian. When it comes to beer, cracking a few back isn’t very glamorous, but when it comes to the Olympics it’s all about being festive and celebrating the games.

The Molson Brewery is housed right here in Vancouver so this beer will be easy to come by. And as your Canadian beer buzz wears off be sure to rest up with a fabulous stay at some of Vancouver’s best hotels:

Pan Pacific Vancouver:
Boasting excellent views of Coal Harbour and the mountains, the Pan Pacific is a perfect spot to stay for the Olympics. Situated right in the heart of downtown, guests here can take advantage of both its uninterrupted views and it’s convenient proximity to Vancouver’s best shopping, restaurants, bars, conference centers and meeting facilities. Our favourite area at the Pan Pacific is its Pacific Club Floor and Lounge, so spend some time there for a real exclusive experience.

Shangri-La Vancouver:
The Shangri-La Hotel is a true Vancouver symbol. This modern hotel is found right in the middle of downtown Vancouver, and is the city’s tallest building. From here, you’ll get stunning views of the city and the mountains. Be sure to try MARKET restaurant – one of Vancouver’s newest hotspots. Reserve ahead of time as it’s sure to be busy all throughout the Olympics.

Fairmont Pacific Rim:
The Fairmont Pacific Rim is steps from cruise ships and float planes and is located in Vancouver’s downtown core. Again, this hotel features excellent views of the ocean and mountains and is located right next to Stanley Park (Vancouver’s famous downtown park). During your Olympic visit, you’ll love this hotel’s convenience and luxurious features! Be sure to spend some time in the park if you stay here!

Loden Vancouver:
The Loden Vancouver truly captures what it means to be in Vancouver. Designed using curved glass, natural stone and copper, the landscape is truly reflected in this hotel’s design and construction. Perfect for both leisure and business travelers, the Loden Vancouver has excellent views and a perfect location in Vancouver’s downtown area (by Coal Harbour). Treat yourself by staying in this hotel’s luxurious penthouse suite.

Opus Hotel Vancouver:
For something different, head to the Opus Hotel Vancouver during the Olympics. This is one of the city’s biggest hotspots and it is located in trendy Yaletown – one of the city’s most stylish neighbourhoods. Sophisticated is the best word to describe the Opus. Be sure to enjoy a great meal at Elixir Restaurant, one of the top restaurants in the city. Attention to detail and a great boutique environment are two things that really make the Opus Hotel Vancouver stand out.

If stunning views of the mountains and ocean are what you’re looking for on your next trip to Vancouver, than the Pan Pacific Vancouver is definitely for you. Perched on a peer that reaches directly out to the Ocean, this hotel is one of the city’s major landmarks.

You’ll recognize the Pan Pacific on the skyline as those gorgeous billowing white sails. Right in the heart of downtown Vancouver, guests here are minutes away from the city’s best shopping, nightlife, restaurants and Stanley Park.

One of the best features of this hotel is the gorgeous and exclusive Pacific Club Floor and Lounge.

Here, you’ll get panoramic views from the 23rd floor, private check-in/check out and concierge services, west coast deluxe breakfast, evening Hors D’Oeurves, self-serve refreshments and wireless internet.

Rooms on floors 22 and 23 feature Anichini linens, L’Occitane personal amenities, plush bathrobes and slippers, iHome docking stations, complimentary internet and complimentary local and toll free calls.

You won’t want to leave without experiencing the spa and fitness/relaxation facilities. If you happen to be catching a sunny day in Vancouver, don’t waste it indoors. Head up to the 8th floor where you can enjoy the salt water pool and Jacuzzi outside, while enjoying a great view of the mountains.

Check out some photos of this stunning hotel in Vancouver:

The hardest part of traveling is usually picking just one destination that you want to go to. Why not make it easy on yourself and pick them all?

No epic journey is ever complete without a great cocktail to kick start it all. The around the world cocktail will inspire you to seek and discover all that the world has to offer and with Kiwi Collection, we bring you nothing but the best from every corner of the world.

How to Make your Around the World Cocktail:

-    ¼ oz Cognac
-    ¼ oz Crème de Noyaux
-    ¾ oz Dark Rum
-    1 ¼ oz Orange Juice
-    1 oz Sweet and Sour Mix
-    Crushed Ice

In a blender add all of the ingredients and blend until smooth. Pour into a wine goblet and serve!

Some of the best places in the world to get your fabulous Around the World cocktail:

Regent Beijing:
Located just minutes away from the famous Forbidden City, Wangfujing Shopping and Tiananmen Square is the Regent Beijing, one of China’s best luxury hotels. Featuring five restaurants and lounges, a fabulous spa sanctuary, a huge adult pool and an exclusive selection of luxury boutique shops, this hotel is sure to satisfy any discerning traveler.

Tivoli Victoria:
Golf lovers rejoice! The Tivoli Victoria in beautiful Vilamoura, Portugal is home to one of Europe’s best golf courses designed by the ledged Arnold Palmer. This luxury five star resort is perfect for business or leisure with state of the art conference rooms, an exclusive nearby beach club, delicious gourmet cuisine by Chef Pedro Pereira and a touch of Far East at their Spa by Banyan Tree.

Jumeirah Essex House:
Since 1931 the Jumeirah Essex House has been the gem of New York. Situated on Central Park South and minutes away for shopping and Broadway this is the perfect spot to get a fabulous New York experience.

Sivory Punta Cana:
Craving a luxury Caribbean getaway like no other? Look no further than the Sivory Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic. Creating a harmony with its natural surroundings, this luxury resort takes relaxation to a whole new level and makes sure that your every need will be met. Here you can rediscover the pleasure of food and dine on world class delicacies along with a great glass of wine from there cellar featuring more than 8000 bottles.

Shangri-La Hotel, Vancouver:
Set in the heart of the city surrounded by a neighborhood of luxury shops, amazing mountain views and the world famous Stanley Park is the tallest building in the city the Shangri-La Hotel, Vancouver in Canada. Offering spacious rooms, amazing cuisine from internationally acclaimed chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten and an indulgent holistic spa sets the scene for a truly unforgettable west coast experience.

Madinat Jumeirah:
Madinat Jumeirah is the famous Arabian Resort of Dubai paying tribute to its heritage and is styled to resemble an ancient Arabian citadel. Comprising of three separate properties with spas, restaurants, shopping and activities, your experience here will truly be like no other and will feel like a whole new world unto itself.

Trump International Hotel & Tower Chicago:
Located alongside the Chicago River is the city’s most enviable address, the Trump International Hotel and Tower Chicago.  Sophisticatedly decorated with custom designed furnishings, floor to ceiling windows, fully equipped kitchens, and attentive service at your disposal makes this the ideal hotel choice for any traveler.

Outrigger Serenity Terraces Resort Phuket:
Get ready to indulge in a private tropical escape in Thailand at the beautiful Outrigger Serenity Terraces Resort Phuket. With ocean facing suits and floor to ceiling windows for breathtaking views, private pools and beach-side dining options, this one luxury getaway  that you will never forget.

The Standard, New York:
The Standard, New York is located in Manhattan’s thriving Meat Packing district of New York and is known as one of the city’s most fashionable neighborhoods full of exclusive clubs, hip restaurants and lovely boutiques. Showcasing unparalleled views of Lower Manhattan and the Hudson River this hotel is the place to see and be seen.

Tribe – The Village Market Hotel:
Take a cultural journey though the farthest corners of Africa at Tribe – The Village Market Hotel in Nairobi, Kenya. Every room at this hotel is a testament of world class comfort with a chic design with an emphasis on detail and luxury.

Renee Zellweger and beau, actor Bradley Cooper, were spotted sharing a meal together and locking eyes yesterday at Market, the world-class restaurant at the Shangri-la Hotel  in Vancouver.

The two are definitely an item, and we’re not surprised that they decided to shine the light on their relationship (at last!) at this particular restaurant, one of the most sought after night spots in Vancouver.

Market is a Jean-Georges Vongerichten masterpiece, and the first collaboration between the master chef and the Shangri-La Hotel brand.

It’s known for its mouth-watering cuisine and elegant atmosphere, and for the amazing value diners get when they go there to eat.

Find the perfect high-end hotel for your stay in Vancouver for the 2010 Olympics this February. Make the most of your once-in-a-lifetime trip to Vancouver!

With the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics right around the corner, its best to start planning a head. And with so little time left to do it, Kiwi Collection is happy to help you get you sorted on where to stay at some of the best hotels in Vancouver.

Where to Stay During the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympic Games February 12-28, 2010:

Shangri-La Hotel:

Check Availability

The Shangri-La Hotel is one of the best places to stay in Vancouver during the Olympics. Located right in the heart of the city and close to all the festivities taking place, this luxury hotel is the perfect starting point for any events you have planned.

Also, being Vancouver’s tallest building nestled right between the Pacific Ocean and the Coast Mountain Range, be sure to expect amazing and breathtaking views.

All of the 119 rooms at the Shangri-La Hotel are decorated in an exquisite contemporary style with a distinct Asian influence along with floor to ceiling windows allowing for lots of natural lighting.

Along with an amazing location and fabulous hospitality the Shangri-La Hotel is also home to the internationally acclaimed three star Michelin chef and entrepreneur Jean-Georges Vongerichten and his restaurant, Market, which offers four distinct dining atmospheres; bistro, outdoor terrace, fine dining and a musical chair bar. Great food and a great atmosphere is sure to leave any visitor satisfied beyond exceptions.

Other fabulous hotels in Vancouver include:

The Opus Hotel: Located in Vancouver’s fashionable Yaletown, the Opus Hotel is a few minutes walk away from the downtown core, steps from the inner harbor, and a quick jaunt to the city’s famous Stanley Park and local beaches.

This luxury boutique hotel offers a beautiful contemporary atmosphere along with intuitive service making sure that all guests are always taken care of.

The Sutton Place Hotel Vancouver: Recently renovated with luxurious guest rooms with breathtaking cityscape views, this hotel brings a touch of European elegance to Vancouver.

This hotel is located in the heart of downtown close to the arts and entertainment district as well as just steps away from Robson Street, one of the country’s most popular shopping areas.

The Fairmont Hotel Vancouver: As one of the city’s famous landmarks with the charm of an English castle, this hotel sits close to the city’s business district and right across the street from the Vancouver Art Gallery.

Best known for its fabulous dining experiences this hotel houses one of the city’s most popular bistro’ Griffins Restaurant as well as their 900 West Lounge, a popular gathering place for locals with award winning martinis and the sounds of live jazz music.

Loden Vancouver: This urban waterfront retreat is inspired by all things Vancouver, from its curved glass emulating the ocean waves to its natural stone and copper bringing the coastal mountains indoors.

Its earthy pallet is stylish and chic for both business nomads and leisure seekers alike and features all of the best in luxury amenities. Located in Vancouver’s Coal Harbor this hotel is also adjacent to many of the city’s most popular attractions from museums and galleries to numerous world class restaurants.

Wedgewood Hotel and Spa: Situated amidst the gardens and waterfalls of the cities fashionable Robson Square in the heart of downtown, this family run, privately owned, luxury boutique hotel has become an intimate oasis in Vancouver.

All rooms feature private walk out balconies as well as the owner’s personal touches with art and antiques from their private collection.

Pan Pacific Vancouver: Located atop a pier overlooking the waterfront and set against a mountain backdrop this hotel features 503 luxurious rooms and suites with panoramic vistas of the harbor, mountains, Stanley Park and the city skyline.

After a long day, feel free to relax at their Spa Utopia or their outdoor salt water pool.

This luxury hotel not only offers the best service to its guests and is also a proud member to the Green Key ECO- rating program committing itself to reduce their environmental impact.

The Fairmont Waterfront: This hotel has a stunning view wherever there’s a window.

Rooms are spacious and elegant and are sure to satisfy even the most discriminating guest offering only the best in luxury amenities.

Perfectly situated for a long walk around the sea wall to Stanley Park or a quick boat ride to North Vancouver. Dining here is also superb using only the freshest ingredients along with herbs and vegetables from their garden deck.

Find out where to stay in Vancouver for the Celebration of Light, 2009

Get all of the info you need to enjoy Vancouver’s Celebration of Lights 2009!

Vancouver’s legendary Celebration of Light (which used to be known as the Symphony of Fire) attracts both tourists and locals alike every year to the city’s waterfront. Since they started in 1990, they’ve been considered a fairly prestigious event.

It’s the biggest offshore fireworks competition in the world, attracting the talents of the world’s leading fireworks designers! No wonder that it’s such an attraction.

This year, Canada, South Africa, the UK and China are squaring off to put on the most spectacular fireworks display in Vancouver over two weeks at the end of July/beginning of August.

Event Details for the 2009 Celebration of Light in Vancouver:

Dates:
•    Wednesday, July 22, 2009 – Canada Night
•    Saturday, July 25, 2009 – South Africa Night
•    Wednesday, July 29, 2009 – UK Night
•    Saturday, August 1, 2009 – China Night

Event Details:
•    Location: English Bay, Vancouver
•    Fireworks start at 10 p.m. each night of the Celebration of Light.
•    Turn to 104 FM (SHORE) on the radio at 10 p.m. to hear the music that goes with each fireworks display.
•    Best viewing points for the Celebration of Light are: English Bay, Kitsilano, Vanier Park, Jericho Beach. Also, any high building downtown or around the bay will give you a great view.
•    Viewing the fireworks is free!
•    Vote for your favorite fireworks display by texting “LIGHT” to 100100
•    Annual attendance of the Celebration of Light is estimated to be 1.4 million people.

Hotels in Vancouver for the Celebration of Light 2009:

Anyone who has attended the Celebration of Light in the past knows that it’s extremely crowded and can take a while to get home. Whether you’re a local Vancouverite, or a traveler to this gorgeous Canadian city during the last two weeks of July, you should consider booking a stay at one of Vancouver’s best hotels (http://www.kiwicollection.com/luxury-hotels/vancouver) if you plan to really enjoy the festival and want to skip the part where you have to find your way home through millions of spectators!
Here are some of our top picks of hotels in Vancouver that are close to the Celebration of Lights:

Check Availability

Shangri-La Vancouver:
Located in Vancouver’s tallest building, the Shangri-la Vancouver is one of the city’s premier hotels.

It’s a true landmark, showcasing cutting-edge architectural design, an outdoor art galleria, giving a home to one of Vancouver’s best restaurants and more.

The hotel has 119 spacious guest rooms, and they are among the largest in
Vancouver. No detail is overlooked at this hotel. And you certainly can’t get a better location for a place to stay if you’re planning to attend any of the 2009 Celebration of Lights.

At 1128 West Georgia Street in downtown Vancouver, you’ll definitely avoid the crowd on your way home as its location is due North of where the fireworks will be happening (and most people will be walking East toward the Skytrain or the roadways leading out to Vancouver’s suburbs).

Check Availability

The Sutton Place Hotel Vancouver:

Found in one of Vancouver’s prettiest buildings, the Sutton Place is situated right in the heart of the city. Recently renovated and luxurious guest rooms are a big feature at this hotel and will definitely meet your expectations of good quality high-end accommodation.

The hotel has about 397 rooms, and guests who book through Kiwi Collection get a wide array of goodies such as a complimentary upgrade if available, complimentary breakfast, early check-in and late check-out and complimentary internet access!

Like the Shangri-La, this hotel is mostly out of the way of the hoards of people who will be traveling south and east bound once the Celebration of Lights is over. You’ll find the Sutton Place Hotel at 845 Burrard Street, which is one of Vancouver’s major roads, and luckily, you’ll only have to deal with the crowd until you reach Burrard which is a short walk from English Bay.

Check Availability

Opus Hotel Vancouver:

The Opus Hotel Vancouver is truly a work of art. Located in Vancouver’s trendy Yaletown neighbourhood, guests here will really get a feel for Vancouver city life.

The Opus Hotel is a boutique hotel, and at only 96 rooms, if you’re looking for a quiet, personal and intimate experience after the Celebration of Lights, this is the place to go. Guestrooms feature vibrant colors, spa bathrooms and lifestyle-inspired decor schemes ranging from modern and minimalist to artful and eclectic.

The Opus Hotel is a good choice if you want to make a quick escape from the crowd at the end of the Celebration of Lights. All you have to do is walk due East from English Bay. Even though you have to walk east for a distance, you won’t have to travel north at all, which will save you time in the end.

And an overnight stay in Yaletown is perfect for anyone who wants to make a special occasion out of these fabulous fireworks.

Dubbed America’s Canadian girl-next-door, Vancouver’s own Bachelorette, Jillian Harris, ventured home to introduce her entourage to this city’s majestic scenery and energetic lifestyle in last Monday’s episode.

Mountains, the ocean, and a modern city blend together and offer a picturesque sight that attracts tourists from all over the globe. Nestled amidst modern skyscrapers and trendy stores, The Fairmont Hotel Vancouver was a welcomed retreat for the thrilled bachelors.

It comes to no surprise that this luxury hotel in Canada was featured on “The Bachelorette.” The Fairmont Hotel Vancouver, a world famous historic landmark, is within a skip and a jump from the city’s business, cultural and entertainment hubs and offers luxurious, state-of-the art comforts. Within the walls of this Fairmont hotel, movers and shakers meet at the 900 West Lounge to enjoy an exquisite lunch, delight in an afternoon tea or unwind over a Final Rose cocktail.

As if Jillian’s13 cavaliers weren’t lucky enough to wine, dine, and get pampered by the services and elegance of The Fairmont Hotel Vancouver, the Bachelorette further refines her search in Whistler today.  Word around the Kiwi Collection water cooler has it that this episode is action-packed: Jillian and her entourage make the most of their visit to the base of the 2010 Olympic and Paralympics Winter Games.

Featured on tonight’s episode are dates at The Fairmont Chateau Whistler, where the hopeful admirers attempt to whisk the bachelorette away.  This week, romancing the Bachelorette shouldn’t be hard. With the Coast Mountains as a backdrop, curling up at a stone fireplace or unwinding in this luxury resort’s heated outdoor pool easily creates an enchanting mood.

To get a sneak peak of The Fairmont Chateau Whistler tune into tonight’s “The Bachelorette” and find out who is one-step closer to receiving the Final Rose during the ceremony held in the hotel’s lovely Wine Room.

The Shangri-La Vancouver is known as a business traveler’s haven and hot spot for excellent cuisine. But, did you also know that the Shangri-La Vancouver also boasts an excellent Spa: Chi the Spa at Shangri-La?

The Shangri-La is offering a special promotion for Kiwi Collection members. Guests who ask for the Kiwi Promotion when they book their signature facial or massage treatment will receive a complimentary Spring Skin Body Polish. The promotion runs from March 9 to April 30, 2009 and is perfect for guests who want to feel fresh and rejuvenated right in time for Spring. Call the Spa at Shangri-La directly to book your treatment: (604) 695-2447.

Everyone knows that the Shangri-La Hotel in Vancouver offers world class accommodation with all the amenities you’d expect from a five-star hotel. But, Chi: The Spa at Shangri-La is a little known secret.

That’s why when we here at Kiwi Collection learned that the spa was offering a special promotion to Kiwi Collection members, I had to pay Chi a visit to try one of their signature treatments (and the special body polish) they were offering.

Arriving at the Shangri-La by limo (which you can have that arranged if you call 24 hours in advance), I was immediately greeted by all of the hotel’s friendly and helpful staff, who helped me with my bags and showed me to the fifth floor where Chi was located.

Stepping out of the Shangri-La’s elevator, we walked into a long corridor with the tranquil sound of trickling water over stone. What a great way to start a luxury spa experience! Immediately, my busy day melted away.

I was greeted by a lovely lady named Wendy. She was all knowledgeable about the spa and its various treatments. She offered me some excellent ginger tea with honey, served in traditional cups, and some plush, warm slippers to change in to. I relaxed in the waiting area, taking in my rich surroundings.

The spa itself was gorgeously designed with warm earthy tones and luxurious golds and coppers. I felt as though I was in a Tibetan/Himalayan retreat. It’s the sort of place where time stands still. I could just feel my stress vanishing as I enjoyed my tea (and my slippers).

Wendy asked me to fill out a questionnaire so that she could determine my “element” from various tastes, colours and times of day that I prefer. This is a really important step in the Chi Spa experience because your treatment is based upon your element. Everything from the tea you’re served to the aroma therapy oils and acupressure points used during your massage are based upon your element. There are five different elements: Earth, Fire, Water, Wood and Metal.

As it turned out, I am “Water”. This is a rare element type, explained my therapist. She hadn’t given a massage to a “Water” person since the hotel opened earlier this year. She brought me to my suite where I would be having my massage.
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Whether you’re a lover of the outdoors or you’re a mobile business traveler, you’ll definitely want to spend some time in Vancouver, Canada. The Shangri-La Hotel Vancouver is versatile in that it is both a perfect business hotel and a perfect hotel for relaxation.

Who doesn’t enjoy staying at a Shangri-La hotel? Finally, this hotel chain has arrived in North America, bringing with it its legendary standard of luxury service. You will find this hotel chain’s newest property in Vancouver, one of Canada’s most beautiful and interesting cities.

The Shangri-La Hotel Vancouver is a 119 room luxury hotel conveniently located in Vancouver’s gorgeous downtown core. Close to great shopping, the business district and Stanley Park, guests can also easily access the beach from this Vancouver hotel.

But the nearby amenities and convenience of the Shangri La Vancouver is not the best feature of this luxury hotel. It has a stunning view of the snow-capped mountains and the Pacific Ocean because it occupies 15 floors of the city’s tallest building (which is 61 stories tall in total). We aren’t exaggerating when we say it’s one of the best hotels in Vancouver!

The rooms are contemporary with an Asian twist, and are also quite large. Some suites have balconies. We at Kiwi Collection know a great view when we see one, so trust us: you want to make sure you get one of those rooms.
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Every seasoned traveler knows that amazing scenery plays a huge part of a great experience. And, of course, in the travel exposure business, great travel photography of that amazing scenery is the key to success.

We here at Kiwi Collection know all about great photography.

The photography talents of one of our own — former Kiwi Insider Eugene Chekanov — was recently recognized when he won the Water World category of Canadian Geographic’s 24th annual photo contest.

His photos of Vancouver’s Staney Park (one of which is pictured to the right) really highlight Vancouver’s stunning landscape. And yes, Stanley Park really does look like that!

Eugene was first acquainted with his camera at age 10 when he was growing up in Lviv in Western Ukraine. It was love at first sight.

He quickly expanded his talents in photography and learned how to develop black and white photos. Mainly learning by trial and error, he continued to practice this fine art when he moved to Toronto, Canada in 1994.

The sheer beauty of Canada only encouraged him to test his skills further as he captured the country’s Great Lakes, forests and rocky shores.

Eugene moved to Vancouver in 2006, where he continues to explore photography. You can view more of Eugene Chekanov’s photography on his website.

Now, we can all see that Eugene is an excellent photographer, but it certainly helps when you have attractive subject matter like Vancouver.

Vancouver is an excellent place to visit if you want to enjoy the benefits of a cosmopolitan city while exploring the mountains, tall trees and the Ocean. We recommend staying at any Vancouver luxury hotel if you’re in the mood to travel to this beautiful Canadian city.

We could go on. But one incredible photo is worth 1,000 words, right? Congratulations Eugene!

Symon Bridle is Hong Kong-based COO of Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts. He joined the company in 1989 from Westin.

Discerning consumers today expect product consistency – but service delivery must also be consistent, and that is not as easy as getting the product right.

Consistency in service, amongst other things, require training. In Shangri-La we are generous on training budgets, allocating two to three percent of payroll. 50% of this is then allocated to corporate-initiated training programs while 50% is left directly under the hotel’s control. If you can get the quality of training right and underpin this with your standards and procedures, then you can have consistency.

Whilst service is a key, it must not be robotic. You must allow naturalness and personalization. Service must become a seamless delivery, underpinned by training.

You also need to train the right people, and we like to say “hire for attitude, train for skills” as those people, well-trained, will have confidence in their customer interactions. You have to get the recruitment process right and I have seen one of our properties reduce turnover by simply going back to our recruitment tools and reviewing this vital process to ensure suitable employees with the right potential were hired, as opposed to the mistake of hiring without adequate due process.

When Shangri-La first went into China in the early 1980s you had a very raw labour market and you had to train, for example, down to the details of the difference between a knife and fork, and even basic personal hygiene. Now there is already a more aware and sophisticated employee base of people coming into the industry. I do not see an issue for getting line staff and training them. The challenge is in middle and senior management because these are the really competitive resources. I also do not think it is all about money. People are also looking for more than salary: they want career opportunities, real responsibility, and to be valued within a company that they can be proud of. This is a very important part of attracting and retaining the right people.

The Shangri-La Academy in Beijing, which opened in 2004, is training about 800 students a year, mostly on courses of three to six weeks. Our employees see this opportunity, paid for by their property, as a reward as well as an opportunity (all expenses, including accommodation, are paid). The Academy will probably be relocated in the future so that it can accommodate up to 1,400 students a year. Shangri-La is also working with three or four hospitality institutions in China and we are looking at how best to become more directly connected to a suitable hotel school. What level of courses and accreditation will then be offered is still under discussion.

The Academy can cope with our Asian and Middle East properties but I am not sure that it is suitable logistically for our forthcoming properties in North America and Europe. The labour market in these locations is more mature and I think that for these hotels, once open, we may opt for placements in sister hotels regionally to help develop our people there.

For our Vancouver Shangri-La hotel, which opened October 2008, we had 10-15 of its already-hired employees working in our Asian hotels for the last 18 months as we wanted to ensure that we could impart the Shangri-La style and essence into our first property in North America.  Coupled with this, we are confident that for Vancouver, where there is a large Asian population, many of whom know our brand and with an established Shangri-La GM, Stephen Darling, at the head, that we can deliver the Shangri-La promise in our first entry to the West.

We will also always look to ensure that we have an element of where you are, a sense of place, in each location where we go. The customer must feel the essence of our company, but not be overwhelmed by it, so I see details such as our unique Shangri-La welcome tea extending to hotels in other parts of the world, but I don’t see our guest relations officers in, say, Paris, wearing a cheong-sam.

Our already-announced hotels in North America and Europe are primarily new builds although in Paris it is a conversion of a palace and in Vienna also a conversion to an historic landmark building. With room counts from 100 to 220 rooms, they are smaller than our Asian hotels, and rather than have dedicated Horizon Club floors the entire property will be run with the club concept in mind: very personalized service, focused on recognizing individual guest needs. Staffing counts will vary, but in some instances such as Paris they will be higher than the ratios we have in Asia, it could be 2.5 to three staff per room for example. Another difference will be that in these markets, the use of part-time or hourly staff is more prevalent and we certainly found this when we took on our Sydney hotel, where we built in a mix of fully-employed, part-time and contract employees to support the full time staff base.

But whichever Shangri-La luxury hotel you come to, as a company with our routes and heritage in Asia, you will certainly find Asian touches, but also a sense of place and respect for the local environment and location of that particular property, whilst not forgetting the need to deliver such basic essentials as a spotlessly clean room, a great restaurant offer and natural, yet efficient, service.

The Shangri-La regulars, such as members of our Golden Circle (guest loyalty) program, are not attracted by collecting points, which we don’t offer, but by genuine recognition, attention to detail and consistency in how we deliver our service and product.

Kiwi Collection CEO Erik Haugen offers journey suggestions to travellers based upon his own personal experiences travelling around the globe.

Canada’s British Columbia is one of my favourite places to travel during the autumn season, as the golden coast of Canada still has plenty of warm days and beautiful sunsets, and as the leaves begin to change colours, the landscape provides some beautiful vistas.

Although you can tackle British Columbia at a quicker pace, I find that a 14 night journey gives one enough time to see the glorious sights, taking in some of Canada’s finest destinations.

Arrival sometime in the last week in September / first week in October

Stay 2 nights at Wedgewood Hotel in Vancouver (This property is newly christened as a Relais & Chateaux property and is charming and intimate)

The City of Vancouver, (host city of the 2010 Olympic Winter Games) is a vibrant city full of life and sight-seeing opportunities, and is home to some fabulous world-class restaurants. Although not the capital of the province, Vancouver is the heart of the west coast of Canada, the third largest city in the country. While in Vancouver, you may be tempted to check out: Stanley Park, Granville Island, Chinatown, Gastown, or shopping on Robson Street, among others.

Transfer to Little Beaver Creek Ranch in Quilchena between Kamloops and Kelowna

Stay 2 Nights in Little Beaver Creek Ranch

Enjoy the horse riding and the great food. This area of British Columbia is referred to as ”Cattle Country” and is a quiet location nestled in the Nicola Valley, half way between the Pacific Coast and the Rocky Mountains.

Transfer to Okanagan valley (British Columbia’s Wine Country)

Stay 2 nights at the Burrowing Owl (experience some wine tasting and relaxation)

Oliver, British Columbia is known officially as the “Wine capital of Canada”, and is a great region to taste some of the region’s finest libations.

Return to the coast and transfer to Whistler

Stay 2 Nights at the Four Seasons Whistler

Explore British Columbia’s Outdoor adventure area. Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains, the site of the 2010 Olympic Alipne Ski and Sliding events provide a plethora of activity options to pursue — not only during the winter season.

Transfer to Tofino (likely via seaplane from Vancouver) on Vancouver Island

Stay 2 nights at the Wickaninnish Inn

Experience their Aveda Spa and The Pointe Restaurant. A dining experience can also be arranged in Tofino. For the adventure seekers, Tofino (and nearby Ucluelet) provide an opportunity for year-round surfing — arguably the best waves in the country — be sure to pack your wet suit as the waters around this area are on the chilly side, to say the least.

Transfer to Victoria (car or seaplane)

Stay 1 Night at Laurel Pointe Inn, Victoria

Victoria is a beautiful spot for whale watching, birding or other eco-friendly activities.

Transfer to Sooke (Near Victoria)

Stay 2 nights at the Sooke Harbour House (Relaxation)

Transfer back to Vancouver

Stay 1 night at the Loden Hotel (A KOR Hotel Group property recently opened)

Depart For Home