Hotel Jobs,Hotel Careers,Hospitality Jobs Online .

Different Related Occupations In Hospitality Management

2011-02-10T21:51:00.000+05:30

Different Related Occupations In Hospitality Management

Occupations in hospitality management involve a wide spectrum of jobs. This is true since more positions are being created as the needs of people continually evolves and changes. Here are some of the most common positions that you can find in this field of work, along with their general overview of responsibilities and tasks.

Food Preparation Workers

This position involves performing various food preparation duties aside from cooking, like slicing meat and vegetables, preparing shellfish and other cold foods, and brewing tea or coffee. Some of the job titles you can get from this kind of work would include: Dietary Aide, Dietary Assistant, Diet Aide, Food Preparer, Food Service Worker, Food Service Aide, Nutrition Aide, Prep Cook or Preparation Cook, Pantry Cook, or Slicer.

Some of the duties you are going to have would be cleaning of work areas, utensils, dishes, equipment, and silverware. You would also store food in their designated containers or storage areas so that spoilage is prevented.

You would also be the one to prepare various foods according to your supervisors' instructions or customers' orders, following approved procedures. It is also your responsibility to package foods to-go and sometimes serve food to the customers. You also inform supervisors whenever supplies are going low or when kitchen equipment isn’t working properly.

Housekeeping Cleaners And Maids

This kind of work involves performing combinations of light cleaning duties for the maintenance of commercial establishments or private households, like hotels, hospitals, and restaurants, in an orderly and clean manner.

Some of your duties would involve bed making, replenishing of linens, cleaning and vacuuming halls and rooms. You also get to carry linens, toilet items, towels, and cleaning supplies by the use of wheeled carts. You would also clean rooms, lobbies, hallways, restrooms, lounges, corridors, elevators, locker rooms, stairways, and other working areas in order for health standards to be met.

Travel Clerks Or Transportation And Reservation Ticket Agents

In this kind of job, you would be the one to make and confirm reservations for your clients. You also sell tickets to the guests of large motel or hotel chains. You can also check the baggage and direct your passengers to their designated pier, concourse, or track. Sometimes, you would be the one to deliver the tickets and arrange documents for visas.

This work would also entail you to contact groups or individuals to inform them about package tours that they can avail of. You also act like a tour guide as you give them travel information, like points of interest, rates, restaurants, and emergency services.

Gaming Dealers

This job would involve operating table games. You would sit or stand behind the table and operate gambling games by giving out the right number of blocks or cards to players. You also get to operate other gaming equipments. You would also compare the player’s hand against the house's hands and collect or payoff players' chips or money. You are also the one to exchange real currency to coin money or playing chips. You also check and ensure that all the table players have placed their bets before the game begins.

Some of the job titles in this kind of job would be: Dealer, Black Jack Dealer, 21 Dealer, Pit Boss, Casino Dealer, Gaming Host, Dual Rate Dealer, Poker Dealer, or Table Games Dealer.

Author is Business Director for Hotel Jobs and hotel careers at www.hotelnaukri.com

Service In Style: Career Clothing For Hospitality Workers

2011-02-10T21:50:00.000+05:30

Service In Style: Career Clothing For Hospitality Workers

Working in an industry such as hospitality would require you to have uniforms. Although some would think this as a bummer, don’t be sad just yet. Career clothing for hospitality workers are not like any other uniforms. These could be different since they can come in style. In fact, the category of hospitality apparel is very interesting, especially if you keep a sharp eye on the different uniforms of different companies.

Although clothing pieces would generally vary depending on your kind of work, there are still some that are popular among different positions. Here are some of the common pieces that you could wear to provide service to your guests in fashion.

Serving Gloves

This is usually a pair of white cotton gloves that is worn by waiters and waitresses or anyone else in the position who would be serving food. Other than looking good, gloves are one symbol of sanitary cleanliness among the working place. This means that the hotel or the facility is mindful about their service and cleanliness.

Junior Cord Housekeeping Dress

This is basically the customary blue dress with a white apron that has trims. This dress is a staple among the housekeeping department and is a traditional piece accepted as modest apparel for housekeeping. It is also a favourite piece for lots of women in this kind of work. Dresses like these are also easy to launder because of the fabric they are made from.

Apron

You can see this piece worn by both men and women. This is most likely a staple if you’ll be working in cafe’s, restaurants, and other food oriented establishments. Although it may be a simple piece to look at, it is actually one of the most important piece of apparel for hospitality workers in the food industry. This is mainly because of its functionality and helpfulness in regard to the nature of their job.

There are different kinds of aprons. You would normally see men wearing the big ones while women wear the small skirt-like ones, which are called tea aprons. Tea aprons are very popular among maids or housekeepers too. Aprons may come in different colors and designs. It basically depends on the company you are working for.

Chef Coats

This is yet another staple in chef uniforms. They usually come in different colors. The most popular are white, black and dark blue. There is a conventional style and designs would generally vary on their trimmings and color combinations. However, the cloth used would be a big factor on how good or bad a chef coat is, since the kitchen could be a pretty hot place to be.

Polo Shirts

Polo shirts are one way to look professional in a not so formal setting. These can be worn by both men and women. These are perfect for cruise ship workers, since it provides both comfort and flexibility. They also come in different colors and usually have the company’s name or logo embroidered in one of the front pockets.

Tuxedos

These are popular for those working in a very formal setting or event. Waiters and attendants in hotels are usually spotted wearing these. Black is the popular color. The overall look highly depends on the trimming or added accent with the suit. Both men and women could wear this too.

Author is Business Director for Hotel Jobs and hotel careers at www.hotelnaukri.com

Service In Style: Career Clothing For Hospitality Workers

2011-02-10T21:48:00.002+05:30

Most Wanted Jobs In The Hospitality Industry

2011-02-10T21:47:00.002+05:30

Most Wanted Jobs In The Hospitality Industry

The hospitality industry is one of the biggest industries that have a big scope of almost everyday necessities of a lot of people. Because it is that big, this industry also has a lot of different job positions to offer. However, just like in any other field, there are ones that are considered to be most in demand.

To give you a clue on which are the most wanted job positions in this industry, here is an overview for some of the said positions.

Food And Beverage Director

This position is not only applicable for hotels. You can also work in hospitals, schools and other places where food directors are needed. The average pay is usually $52,450. The general job description would be having the responsibility to oversee the lounge/restaurant operations. You also get to recruit and train employees. You would also be the one who would create their schedules.

Managing budgets and achieving sales targets are also part of your job, along with maintaining close control of product orders and stock. You should also be able to control and analyze food costs. Of course, as the director, you should ensure that food safety and customer service are provided. Lastly, you should communicate well with your team and be able to motivate them.

Hotel General Managers

Hotels are rampant nowadays. The bigger they get, the more people they need to work for them. Thus, the more they need people who can take in charge of everything. This is what general managers do. The pay is an average of a whopping $62,320. However, it still depends on the hotel you are working for and the status it has.

Your main job is to create and sustain a guest-driven hotel which goes beyond guest expectations in criteria. You should also provide an atmosphere which inspires your hotel team members so that they could do their best. It’s your job to watch over the quality process in order to ensure your guest’s satisfaction via consistent delivery of service and quality product in agreement with your hotel's profitability goals whilst fulfilling the important requirements of your guest.

This position would entail you to do daily routing of the hotel. You check in and out guests, and inspect their suites for engineering and housekeeping quality. You also get to participate in the Food and Beverage outlet where you would have to greet and serve guests as needed.

You also have some responsibility with your subordinates. You will interview, and hire people. Once accepted, you would also be the one to supervise and counsel them. This would include the different department managers in the hotel. Although the pay is high, this job would put a lot of responsibilities on your shoulder and you should be up for it.

Housekeeping Staff

Whether it be janitors, maids or housekeeping supervisors, one thing’s for sure. There’s a high demand for housekeeping staff. Another good thing is the demand keeps on running for all seasons. This means it is normal to see a lot of openings for such positions. Compensation averagely comes in $25,920, $23,270 and $40,180 respectively.

Overall cleanliness of the place would be your primary concern. For the position of janitors and maids, you would he the one to cleanup rooms and facilities of your working environment. If you’re a supervisor, then you would be the head of the team. You would be the one to check if requirements regarding cleanliness are met. You will also interview, hire and train people who want to be part of your team.

Author is Business Director for Hotel Jobs and hotel careers at www.hotelnaukri.com

Do You Need A Hotel Job?

2011-02-10T21:45:00.003+05:30

Do You Need A Hotel Job?

Although striving for hospitality career could be quite tempting, especially with the very lucrative pay waiting for you and benefits in store, this is still not a venture for the weak hearted. Getting into this kind of field is not all about perks, benefits and big tips. A big ordeal of work is also included in the package.

So, before you pass that resume or application to undergo training, try to think carefully first if this kind of profession is really for you. Here are some points to ponder on to help you see the big picture more clearly.

Humility: Do You Have It?

One very important thing you should remember with this type of work is that it is service oriented. You are the provider of the service. Thus, you should have humility towards the person you are serving. If you are the type of person that cannot lower your pride, then this would be a pretty tough ordeal for you. However, if you are the type who loves to serve and accommodate the needs of other people, this would be pretty easy on your part.

A Perpetual Smile

Being in this kind of profession would mean having a perpetual smile on your face throughout your working hours. You could never grunt or complain about work, especially in front of your guests. No matter how bad your day has been, you should be prepared to serve people with a smile.

Smiling is one way of being hospitable. It is also one good way to make people feel that they are welcome in a new place. So, if you think you can’t keep that smile plastered on your face even if you’re not in the mood, then this kind of job is not ideally for you.

Ready To Work The Graveyard Shift?

Jobs in this field usually involve working in hotels, cafes, casinos and restaurants. All of which are establishments that are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. In most cases, you are not the one who will be setting your schedule but your manager.

Thus, you should be ready to work the graveyard shift. Schedules of working duty also vary. This is why you should also be prepared to adjust to whatever schedule was given to you. This doesn’t mean that you only adjust your daily schedule of activities. You should also be ready to adjust physically and mentally.

Goodbye Holidays!

Holidays are the busiest time of the year for this industry. Hence, you should be prepared to give up your own holiday celebrations while you serve other people so that they can have their holiday vacation of a lifetime. This part of the job does not only affect you, but even also your family. Thus, they should also be prepared and be able to understand the nature of your job. In most cases, you would have to celebrate your holidays the next day after the real date.

Home Away From Home

Travelling is a part for most positions in this career path. If you’ll be working in a cruise or airline setting, then you should be prepared to have your home away from home, which would be your ship or airplane. There are also tour guide positions in which you would sometimes be on tour for a number of days. You get to go home for about a day or so and you’ll be off on another tour once more.

So, do you think you can handle all these? If yes, then good luck with your hospitality career venture!

Author is Business Director for Hotel Jobs and hotel careers at www.hotelnaukri.com

Do You Need A Hotel Job?

2011-02-10T21:45:00.000+05:30

Hospitality Job Opportunities In The 20th Century

2011-02-10T21:42:00.000+05:30

Hospitality Job Opportunities In The 20th Century

Just like with any kind of industry, the hospitality industry has trends too. If you are planning to have a career change and you are considering taking advantage of hospitality job opportunities that could be an easy thing to do. However, it is best that you are updated with the trends of the industry in the time being. So, here are some of the latest and to watch out for trends in the field of hospitality career.

Thank You For New Properties

Be on watch for new properties. These are said to drive employment growth in the coming years. The launching and opening of newly built high-end resorts along with their restaurants, hotels and other amenities would drive job growth for the industry in 2008 and years to come.

This is pretty good news for you. For instance, big hotels and properties usually need about 1,600 people to staff the place full time. Now, just think of how many new hotels and resorts would be opening in a year? That would definitely be a number of 1,600 staffs per hotel!

All-Inclusive Packages Means Jobs For You!

As you can observe, “All-Inclusive Packages” are the trend nowadays. So what does this mean? More job positions of course! Whether guests would need room service, a masseuse, or some help with game, the industry would have to hire lots of people just to pamper their guests.

It is undeniable that everybody gets their dose of stress once in a while. Because of this, people seek out to have a vacation. And when they do get a vacation, they want nothing else but to be babied, pampered and served!

Too Much For Cooking

Another seen trend is that culinary schools are everywhere nowadays. In fact, you could even see their ads on daytime television. So, what does this mean?—they’ll be producing tons of graduates of course! Hence, there would be more competition. So, if you think you don’t really have the heart for cooking, it would be best that you skip this kind of specialty and try to go for a different one.

Less For Management

If the industry is having an over supply for chefs, the contrary is happening for management. Unknown to many, there is a great need for managers in this industry. This is most especially true for food chains. Most companies are not in need for trained chefs anymore, but instead what they need are managers and supervisors that could efficiently deal with people, do the math and plan things right. So, if you think you have this knack, then why not try management for a change?

Go For Business Based Establishments

It is also better if you go for hotels that primarily serve businesses. If you’re working in a hotel that primarily serves individuals that book their vacation one week ahead then your company is more prone to travel slowdown. It is inevitable in this kind of trade that you encounter client back-outs and cancellations, which is why it is safer to go for business based establishments.

Those hotels that serve businesses are usually booked for conventions one year ahead. This trade has more security put to it than those depending on individuals. So, it is recommended that you carefully consider the type of company you’ll be applying for.

Author is Business Director for Hotel Jobs and hotel careers at www.hotelnaukri.com

Future Jobs For Hospitality Students

2011-02-10T14:27:00.003+05:30

Future Jobs For Hospitality Students

If you’ll be observing career recommendations for high school students, you’ll see that most of them recommend students to take up hospitality career. A lot of students have had considered this choice in the past years and most of them are now studying different courses related to the field. However, a lot of people still do not know what exactly the future jobs are for hospitality students.

If you are one of those who are clueless with this subject at hand, here’s an overview of the possible job positions that students in this kind of field could have in the near future.

Hotels And Resorts

The number one environment that people would think about when they hear you are a student of this kind of course would be hotels and resorts. They are correct for thinking that way. However, your possible working environment is not limited to these two. Studying hospitality could bring you places, literally.

But in the case of hotels and resorts, there are also a number of positions that a hospitality student can have. For instance, you can be a receptionist, room service personnel, desk clerk, usher, lobby attendant, baggage porter, or a bellhop. With some experience you could be a lodging manager, operations manager or a hotel general manager. These are just jobs related to the lodging portion of the hotel.

Recreational positions are available too. You can be a lifeguard or skipatrol. You can also be an activities personnel, activities planner, recreational assistant, recreation therapist, gaming supervisor, spa attendant and a lot more!

Casinos

Although being hospitable is not outright associated to places such as Casinos, these are actually one of the biggest industries that are in need for workers. Positions would usually include being a gaming dealer, gaming manager, bartender, pit boss, gaming host, blackjack dealer, or any other table games dealer.

Restaurants found inside casinos would also need chefs and waiting services to attend to the hungry gamblers waiting to be served.

Events

You can also take part in any kind of social event. Positions like events planner and meeting planner are also viable. Here, your main job would be to organize whatever event it is that you are working on. Wedding planners also fall into this kind of category. You provide the program according to your client’s demands. You also make sure that everything goes smoothly during the event itself.

Airlines

Since hospitality and tourism are closely related, airlines also hire students from this field of study. You can be a flight attendant, flight stewardess, travel and tours organizer, ticket taker, usher, or lobby attendant.

Cruise Ships

Another place that you can work in would be cruise ships. Just like in other places you can be a ticket taker, usher, bellhop, receptionist, attendant, recreations manager, executive chef, chef, room service personnel, events manager, baggage porter, general manager, housekeeping personnel, housekeeping manager, janitor/janitress, gaming host, waiter, food and beverage director, gaming dealer, bartender, lodging manager and a lot more. Positions are basically the same; it’s just that you all these jobs in a cruise ship.

Tours

You can also work in places such as museums or other establishments in which guides are needed. Positions would include: Docent, Historical Interpreter, Discovery Guide, Interpreter, Guide, Museum Docent, Science Interpreter, Museum Guide, Tour Guide or Museum Educator.

Author is Business Director for Hotel Jobs and hotel careers at www.hotelnaukri.com

Future Jobs For Hospitality Students

2011-02-10T14:27:00.000+05:30

How To Get A Hotel Job In Miami

2011-02-10T14:26:00.000+05:30

Finding Hospitality Management Careers In Miami

If you want to find a really good hospitality management career position, then Miami is the place to go. There are a number of reasons why Miami is considered to be a hotspot for this kind of career positions. Other than that, there are also various institutions that you can find in Miami that offers courses and training programs in relation to this kind of career.

Why Go For Miami?

Miami is considered to be a vacation paradise. It is a place where hundreds of hotels and motels alike stand side by side facing the beautiful waters. Every year, millions of people flock to Miami to experience its colourful nightlife, pristine beaches and exquisite accommodation services. What does this mean for someone who wants to pursue hospitality career?—more job opportunities of course!

Go Gastronomic

Other than the numerous hotels and motels you can apply in, there are also a lot of bars and restaurants that you could find a job position in. Miami has a rich mix of cuisines from all over the world. It doesn’t mater whatever kind of cooking you may specialize in; whether it is American, Chinese, Mexican, Japanese, Jamaican, French or whatever kind of food, one thing’s for sure; you can find numerous restaurants in Miami that caters your specialty! Thus, you have more choices of where to apply!

Casinos

Along with hotels and restaurants, there are also a lot of casinos in Miami. It doesn’t matter what district you are in, for sure there’s a casino out there.

Clubs

Miami is also known for its very lively nightlife. It is home to numerous clubs that accommodate Miami’s party people. If you want a bartending position, then going to this place would be your best bet. However, competition can be tight since the best in the field also have Miami as a target.

Big Tippers And Baby Boomers

Miami is also known to have a lot of big tippers roaming around. Since it is a vacation hotspot, a lot of people from all over the world come here, particularly the rich ones. Baby boomers or those rich people in retirement are also considered to be as Miami patrons. Hence, tipping in Miami would be very lucrative if you would pursue a hospitality career in this place.

Where To Find Positions?

There are various sources where you can find job openings in Miami. One would be the Internet. You can try searching online and for sure you could find job openings in various areas. There are also specialized Web sites where they only post advertisements for employers in the Miami area that have openings.

Local Papers

The news paper is also one good source. However, it would be best to look in local papers in Miami. In this way there is a much higher probability that you can find an opening within the area.

Company Web Sites

Company Web sites are also great. Although you may not see their ads up on the front page of their site, most companies usually have links toward another page in which they place their job openings. Try to know the different establishments in Miami and look up their Web sites on the Internet. As you browse through their page, try to be watchful for small printed links leading to their hiring page.

Author is Business Director for Hotel Jobs and hotel careers at www.hotelnaukri.com

Essentials For Starting A Hospitality Career

2011-02-10T14:25:00.002+05:30

Essentials For Starting A Hospitality Career

Hospitality career is one of the most in demand area of profession nowadays. With the uprising number of recreation and accommodation facilities along with the heightening number of cruise ships setting on sail, the bigger the need for hospitality professionals and workers. This is why the field itself is becoming quite popular too.

If you think you have what it takes to start this kind of career, then here are the essential things that you need to know in starting out one.

Keeping Your Feet On The Ground

Realistically speaking, if you want to start in this profession, you should understand that it is not an easy living. Although it does pay pretty well, you should be ready to work long hours throughout the clock. You should also be ready to sacrifice your weekends and holidays. Those are the busiest days, which is why you would be most likely be working.

Additionally, even though a lot of people are pleasant and polite, you should still be ready to accommodate rude guests with a smile on your face. You should have an iron will in able to face this career. Definitely, selflessness is a prerequisite as you see other people have the time of their lives while you work your way just to please them.

The Perks

However, it is undeniable that this line of job has a lot of perks and benefits. Of course there’s the popular potential for acquiring good tips. Also, there is a high chance of achieving a high-ranking position, compared to other careers that seem like eternity before you get promoted. Last but not the least, this industry is recession-free, meaning it is always lucrative and not seasonal. If ever you get hold of these perks from this career, then you can be complacent that you’ll have a pretty good future ahead of you.

Are You A People Person?

One of the most important prerequisites would be being a people person. You should be able to enjoy being among people. It is your job to be friendly, energetic and adaptable at all times. Remember that this is a people-service-oriented job. This is why this trait is very important.

Other Handy And Not So Handy Traits

There are also other traits that would come handy such as: great team work skills, problem-solving skills, and being able to work in a customer-centered atmosphere. If ever you feel rewarded with your guests’ smiles and satisfaction, then there’s a high chance that you would excel in this field. On the contrary, if you’re the type that is reclusive, introverted, reserved, and love keeping things to yourself while you work in a cubicle with a stress-free job during typical office-hours, then you are a total misfit for this job.

Education

Since there are various paths to take in this line of work, there are also different ways for you to get educated and prepared for each path. However, enrolling for a full-time course is an option and isn’t always necessary.

It would be best that you first identify which area you are interested in. After that, you can enrol for a full time program that is affiliated to a particular industry. It’s important that you make a couple of considerations before you pick out a program. Considerations usually include: one, your eligibility and two, your available time.

Author is Business Director for Hotel Jobs and hotel careers at www.hotelnaukri.com

Do's And Don'ts Of Hospitality Management Application

2011-02-10T14:24:00.004+05:30

Do's And Don'ts Of Hospitality Management Application

Although there are a lot of openings in the industry of hospitality management, applying for a job can still be quite competitive, especially now that a lot of people are considering making career changes and pursuing this type of profession. Thus, it is important that you have a cutting edge from the very start among the rest. This is why your application should be smooth and flawless.

For your application to be that way, there are some do’s and don’ts that you should keep in mind during the application period. Here are some of them.

For Online Applications

One do factor that you should remember if you are applying via the Internet is do be patient. There are times that it seems to take employers ages before they could reply to your online application. Try to give it a week or so before you move on.

Also, double checking the Web site of your prospect employer is another do. This is a must. Try to read the advertisement over and over again. Make sure that you do not miss on any fine print at the bottom. This is to avoid getting into any kind of mess before you even send out your application.

Don’t apply for the job if the job title matches what you are looking for but the description does not really match what you have in mind. This would only cause conflict between you and your employer. It would be even better to apply for a job that has a different job title but you know that you can perform the job description pretty well.

For Cover Letters

Do send a cover letter every time you send a CV. It doesn’t really matter if you are responding to an advertisement that you saw or having a speculative application. It is a must for you to send a cover letter. Not doing so is considered to be unprofessional in the field. However, do not send a letter if the advertisement specified that you should not send one.

Do take advantage of your cover letter to sell yourself to your employer. This letter is an important one and is sometimes the deciding factor on whether you are going to get an interview or not. Some other do’s in making a letter would be: addressing it to the right person, checking your grammar, spelling and punctuations, and customizing it by stating the name of the company you are applying for.

Some of the don’ts include: addressing it to ‘Sir/Madam’, writing a novel instead of a short and direct to the point letter, and using long words and complex jargons just to impress your reader.

For CVs

Don’t take your CV for granted. Do take time in preparing for it. This is your number one marketing tool so that you can sell yourself. You CV should be well presented. It should also be interesting for your employer to read. Other than that, it should be easy and quick to read. Last but not the least, it should contain the truth and nothing but the truth about yourself. Lying in a CV could get you into really big trouble in the future.

Use your CV to highlight your skills and accomplishments. However it is a big ‘Don’t’ for you to overload it with information. Just include the necessary ones or the latest information that you think has a big relation to the position you are applying for.

Author is Business Director for Hotel Jobs and hotel careers at www.hotelnaukri.com

Do You Think You're Fit For A Job In Hospitality And Tourism?

2011-02-10T14:24:00.000+05:30

Do You Think You're Fit For A Job In Hospitality And Tourism?

Having a job in hospitality and tourism is a very rewarding position, not only financially but also personally. Not only do you get to have a fairly above average salary, you also get to help people and provide your services so that others can have a pleasing vacation or accommodation experience.

Getting a position in this field is not as hard as rocket science. It is not as easy as 1-2-3 either. It would require a lot of effort that comes from the heart, if not, plastered smile on your face would do. So, do you think you’re fit for something like this? Well, here are some of the things you should think about to help you decide on whether you’re fit for the job or not.

Are You A People Lover?

One requirement for you to work in this kind of career path is that you should be a people lover. If you are not one, then you should at least love to be where the people are. Remember, most of the positions in this field would involve facing people and attending to their needs. If you are scared of the crowd or even facing one random stranger, then you would definitely have a rough path ahead of you.

However, there are positions in which you are not required to directly face people. Nevertheless, if you have this kind of position, you should still keep in mind that the service you are doing is for your customer’s satisfaction.

Can You Stand Being Away From Home?

If you really want to earn big in this field, then you should aim for international companies. However, if you do, this would most likely entail you to do some travelling. Working in a cruise ship is one of the most yearned for dream of most hospitality workers. This is because having a position like that is considered to be the most comfortable job that you can get.

The catch however is that you would have to travel. At first, this is very exciting. It would remain exciting if you are up to it. But, if you are the type of person that can not stand being away from home for a very long time, then hospitality career may not really be the thing for you. This also applies if you would be working for airlines and other tourism companies.

Can You Adjust Physically And Mentally?

Another important factor would be the work schedule. It is vital that you are able to adjust both physically and mentally to the differing working schedules given to you. Most establishments you would be working in are open 24 hours a day. This simply means that there is a big probability that you would be assigned to work in the graveyard shift.

Not to mention that you should also be ready to work during holidays. Remember, it is during holidays that hotels, resorts, casinos and restaurants are full of people. For sure, management would require you to work during these days of the year, since this is when business is booming.

This is most especially true during important holidays such as Christmas. So, think it over if you can bear spending Christmas at work rather than being with your family or loved ones.

Author is Business Director for Hotel Jobs and hotel careers at www.hotelnaukri.com

How To Choose Among The Many Hospitality Management Schools

2011-02-10T14:22:00.001+05:30

Choosing Among The Many Hospitality Management Schools

Getting a degree in hospitality management can be a very big advantage on your part. It can bring you places, literally and symbolically. Having this kind of training or degree can heighten the probability for you to secure a high pedestal job that can give you a pretty big salary too.

Since more students and professionals alike are yearning for this kind of training, a lot of schools have popped up from nowhere and are now offering such kind of training. Although it can be tempting to just enrol in the first school you see offering this kind of program, you should learn to hold your horses down.

Just like when picking a school when you’ll be enrolling for any other college degree, choosing among the many hospitality management schools is also an important decision that you should not take for granted. There are a lot of so-called schools nowadays that provide fast programs for this kind of training. However, such kind of schools are not to be trusted, especially if the quality of learning and teaching is a pretty important factor for you.

As a guide, here are some of the criteria that you should consider while on the process of picking out a school that you are going to train in.

The Curriculum

The program’s curriculum is a very important factor that you should take into consideration. This is because sometimes, the curriculum is different from your expectations. Picking out the best school is a subjective matter. This means what is best for you may not be the best for others and vice versa. Thus, for a school to be the best, it should have a curriculum that would closely fit your own career goals.

So, before you enrol, ask for a copy of the general curriculum. In this way you can see an overview of what you would be studying. You would also see which of the many school curriculums in your hand would likely be the one to bring you closer to your dream job in the future.

Connections

You should also see whether the school is situated in a tourist spot destination. It is also helpful if your school has a pretty strong representation among major hotels. There is no harm in asking what are the establishments which your school program is taken from. You should also know whether leading industry companies are wiling to hire people graduating from that school.

Is The Program Bogus?

Another factor to weight is whether the program is to be trusted itself. Take note that there are now a lot of bogus institutions that have come into being just to take advantage of willing to learn people in this kind of trade. One way that you can know whether the program is legit or not is through accreditations.

Accrediting bodies are very much to be trusted; especially, regional organizations. So, see whether the school you want to enrol in has a regional accreditation or not. If not, they should at least have a professional accreditation from various organizations.

Credentials: Are They Fit To Teach?

The best school would always have the best faculty around. So, learn about the faculty’s credentials during your inquiry. See why you should trust them to teach you what they know about the program at hand. Learn about their educational attainment and their practical experiences in the industry itself. The more experienced they are in the field, the better.

Author is Business Director for Hotel Jobs and hotel careers at www.hotelnaukri.com

Best Ways To Find Hospitality Jobs Online

2011-02-10T14:21:00.000+05:30

Best Ways To Find Hospitality Jobs Online

Hospitality jobs are one of the most popular jobs nowadays. It is a carer in which there is a big demand for workers, not only in the local market but also for the international arena. Not only is the industry in demand, it is very important too. Just think how things would be, if no body is willing to serve you or take care of your needs when you go on your grand vacation. That wouldn’t be a vacation at all!

The Job

Hospitality jobs are basically jobs that involve the act of giving service to people. This could be done in a way that you accommodate people in a certain place and do your best by giving a specific service just to make them feel at home. In short, you become hospitable. Jobs like chefs, hotel managers, receptionists, event planners, tour coordinators and hotel staff positions, all fall into this job category.

Although having a job like this could be pretty hard if you don’t have the heart for it, it could be fun and very rewarding too. The pay in the industry could be very lucrative. Also, due to the fact that there are a number of places that you could work in, finding a job is not that hard.

The Hunt

Because of the very promising and secure future of this type of career, a lot of people go job hunting for hospitality jobs. Other than reading your daily paper’s classified ads section, the Internet is also one good place to do your search. However, cyberspace could be a very vast place to search in. So, if you’ll be looking online, here are some tips on where it is best to look for hospitality jobs.

Your Local Paper Goes High Tech

If you want a job that is situated locally, one good option in which you could look for one would be the Web site of your local paper. Don’t worry if you already have a printed copy of your paper. Sometimes, there are ads that papers don’t include in their publication. There’s a big chance that you could find these ads posted in their Web site.

Job Listings

Another good place to look are job listings. There are a lot of major job listings online that you could try browsing. To make your search easier, try to take advantage of these Web site’s search box. All you have to do is type in specific keywords on the position you are looking for and you would automatically get results. It is best that you search various job listing sites so that you can have various choices with the results.

Specialized Job Listings

Other than general job listings, there are also specialized ones that are tailored fit for your needs. So if you are looking for hospitality career oriented jobs, there are job listings that are only concentrated for hospitality career positions. You can try looking in major search engines for Web sites like these. For sure you can find a number of sites that you can look into.

Company Web Sites

Sometimes companies also post ads on their Web site. However, this could be tricky because more often than not, they do not place their ads on their main page. Try reading the small print on the bottom of their main page and see if you could find a link that leads to a page in which they list their available job openings. Also, try thinking of various companies that you think you would want to work in and then visit their Web site.

Author is Business Director for Hotel Jobs and hotel careers at www.hotelnaukri.com

Best Sources For Hospitality Job Listings

2011-02-10T14:19:00.000+05:30

Best Sources For Hospitality Job Listings

Hospitality careers are in demand everywhere. As globalization continues to develop, so does the industry of hospitality. This is why the demand for workers in this field also evolved and has grown tremendously.

If you would want to look for a position in this kind of expertise, then the best bet you have would be hospitality job listings. There are a number of sources in which you can find such kind of listings. As a guide, here are some of them.

The Internet

The Internet is one good source to find job listings. There are basically two kinds of job listings that you can choose from, if you’ll be searching via the World Wide Web. First there is the generalized job listing and second there is the specialized job listing

The good thing about going online and searching for jobs is that you get to access various sources. You also get to check out the companies first before you even go and apply. Additionally, it has been a trend already that you can apply via the Internet. All you have to do is send them your resume via email. They’ll contact you if your resume passes or not.

This is a real time saver and money saver! You save both time and money by not needing to go to the company’s office just to give your resume. At least, while you wait for their response, you can have the liberty to browse other job offerings from other companies.

Generalized Job Listing

The generalized ones are basically Web sites online that offer free classified ads for different categories. Thus, not only could you find hospitality positions but also other fields of work too like education, Internet based programs, health services and a lot more.

However, you don’t have to worry finding the position you like as if it were a needle in a haystack. Web sites like these are most of the time organized by categories. They also usually have search boxes, so all you have to do is type it in and you get the results.

Nevertheless, this kind of source does not guarantee you that they would have what need; unless if they are a popular Web site and a lot of employers have posted their ads in the site.

Specialized Listings

These one would be Web sites that are specially made just for hospitality job searching. Here you could be sure that all the employers posting their ads are really inclined in the hospitality industry and are really looking for people who can work with them in the industry. There is a bigger chance for you to find more offerings in this kind of listing, compared to the general one.

Your News Paper

Although it may seem low-tech, the news paper is still a pretty good and reliable choice. The classified ads section is also organized and all you have to do is look for the category of Tourism/Hospitality. However, news paper is only great if you’re looking for a local position around your area. If you want an international one, the Internet is still the best way to go.

Companies And Recruitment Agencies

Sometimes companies themselves and recruitment agencies post openings; try browsing through their Web site or visiting their office to see if they have something posted.

Author is Business Director for Hotel Jobs and hotel careers at www.hotelnaukri.com

Professional Hospitality Resources For Quick Job Hunting Results

2011-02-10T14:18:00.000+05:30

Professional Hospitality Resources For Quick Job Hunting Results

The demand for hospitality workers is evident. However, the biggest mistake that people in search for jobs in this kind of industry do is look in the wrong places. If you have been looking for a position in this line of work, yet have had no successful results until now, then you may be one of those that have looked in the wrong places.

Here are some of the best professional hospitality resources that you can try signing up with or browsing so that you can have quick job hunting results.

Google Job Search

Google job search is one good way to find resources with job openings. You do know that Google has a very effective search engine and the good thing is that this also applies with their job search feature. You can expect that a lot of companies have signed-up for this service. Thus, there is a high probability that you would find whatever position it is that you are looking for. All you have to do is type it in, press search and Google will do the rest for you.

Yahoo Hot Jobs

If Google ahs job search, it’s counterpart in Yahoo would be Hot Jobs. This feature is much like Job Search. It is also a place where employers could post job openings. You can also have your resume uploaded on your profile so that even employers could view it without having you sending it to them. This is one way for you to get discovered by a company, with less effort on your part.

Craigslist

Craigslist is also a popular job search resource on the Internet. A lot of employers have been posting openings for different kinds of jobs in different industries here. All you need to have would be some effort in browsing numerous ads.

However, the ads are categorized by industry anyway. Finding one that fits your needs is quite easy. They also have a search box feature. All you need to do is type in the specific position you are looking for and for sure there are numerous search results waiting for you.

Company Web Sites

If you really want fast results with your job application, then why not try directly searching in company Web sites? Although you may not find ads posted on their main Web site, try searching for links leading to subpages in their site that mainly tackles on hiring and job opportunities.

Most likely they would provide an email address of telephone number that you can contact if ever you want to apply for a position. If not, you can try dropping by their main office. If they think your are fit for their job opening, for sure you would hear from them in no time!

Recruitment Agencies

Sometimes, companies prefer to hire from recruitment agencies, rather than directly hire people to work from them. This is true if a company is in partner of a recruitment agency. So, it is recommended that you get the help of recruitment agencies. However, doing so would mean that you are going to have a contract with your agency and not exactly your company.

So, if you think that the conditions set by your agency is workable then go ahead. However, there is still more possibilities of getting advancements, perks and benefits if you would be directly working with the company.

Author is Business Director for Hotel Jobs and hotel careers at www.hotelnaukri.com

Basics of Hospitality Management International Work Programs

2011-02-10T14:16:00.001+05:30

Basics of Hospitality Management International Work Programs

One good thing about hospitality management is that it can provide you easy access to the international limelight. You could have the chance to travel and work virtually almost anywhere in the world, as long as there is a need for the job. The industry’s support for globalization is very much evident with the many working programs available for you to take.

As long as you’re interested in working internationally, there is really no barrier for you to enrol in one of these programs. However, you should not go enrolling in whatever program you see posted on advertisements. There are still some considerations for you to make before you get into any kind of training.

It is important to make these considerations so that you would know whether the program you are eyeing for is in line with your personal career goals. Here are some of them.

What Is It That You Want?

First off you should be able to establish your own career objectives or goals. You should understand that there are different career paths that you can take in this kind of industry. That is why you must check first the curriculum of the program you are getting into whether they are in line with what you want to be doing in the future.

If your personal goal is to supervise a large hotel or have a senior management position in a well-known company, you would have to look for a program that offer’s a bachelor’s degree, since this is required for the kind of job that you want.

What Happens After The Program?

Next you have to consider the credibility of the Institution you are eyeing for. Is it located in a tourist destination and does it have a strong representation for major hotels? What resorts, hotels, and tourist attractions is your prospected program drawn from? Are graduates from that institution hired by the leading employers in the industry? Factors like these should be given some thought on.

What Are Their Credentials?

It is also important to know the credentials of the faculty whom will be training you in the program. It’s also important for you to know their industry experience, so that you can be sure that what they are teaching you are not just by the book but also based from extensive experience on the field.

You would most likely encounter faculty in this field that have advanced degrees in education, business, or other disciplines aside from hospitality and tourism. This is quite normal as you can’t expect all faculties to be sole graduates of the study itself. In fact, it is considered a plus if the faculty has a mix of academic achievement along with management-level experience in business.

How About Accreditation?

You should also check out the accreditation of the program you are getting into. Is it regionally accredited? By the term ‘regional accreditation’ this means being accepted by accrediting bodies which serve 1of 6 geographic regions of the U.S. It is the responsibility of each accrediting body to serve the majority of private and public higher education institutions in whatever area they are assigned to. This kind of accreditation is very important if you plan on completing a bachelor’s degree or acquire some higher education.

However, there are also some other type of accreditation that can be helpful such as professional accreditations. This kind of accreditation is what other institutions have.

Author is Business Director for Hotel Jobs and hotel careers at www.hotelnaukri.com

MGM Hospitality announces India entry with Blue Coast Hotels

2011-02-10T11:32:00.002+05:30

MGM Hospitality announces India entry with Blue Coast Hotels
Press Trust of India / New Delhi February 01, 2011, 20:25 IST
Las Vegas-based MGM Hospitality today announced its entry into the Indian market by partnering with Silver Resort Hotel India to develop a luxury property in the country.

MGM Hospitality will provide design assistance and operate a 480-room luxury hotel in Delhi under the brand 'MGM Grand' to be developed by Silver Resort Hotel, a company promoted by Blue Coast Hotels.

"This announcement is of particular significance as it marks our company's entry into the burgeoning India marketplace," MGM Hospitality President and CEO Gamal Aziz said in a statement.
The project is slated to start in March this year and is expected to be operational in early 2014.

At present, Blue Coast Hotels operates a 251-room five-star deluxe luxury resort Park Hyatt Goa Resort and Spa in Goa.

The company has also acquired land from Delhi International Airport (DIAL) to develop an upscale luxury hotel with hotel apartments.

MGM Hospitality is a wholly-owned subsidiary of MGM Resorts International that operates hotels, resorts and residences across the world under Bellagio, MGM Grand and Skylofts brands.

Source: PTI

Starwood to open 70-80 hotels in 2011

2011-02-10T11:29:00.001+05:30

(Reuters) - Starwood Hotels & Resorts (HOT.N) will open between 70 and 80 hotels this year, about even with 2010, but with more emphasis on mid-scale brands in emerging and mature markets, the hotel operator is set to announce on Monday at the Americas Lodging and Investment Summit.

Most of the new hotels will be located abroad, especially in China. But the owner of the St. Regis and Westin brands will also open more than 20 hotels in North America this year, Simon Turner, Starwood president for global development, told Reuters in an interview.

Known for stylish, upscale offerings like "W," the spread of Starwood's more affordable hotels like Four Points by Sheraton, Aloft and Element signals the importance of the global middle class to its business strategy.

"Not everybody is going to have the budget to stay in a St. Regis or a W or even a Sheraton or a Westin," Turner said.

"But there is an enormous amount of growth that will be driven by a middle class and increasing affluence in Indonesia, in Brazil, in India."

Hotel operators like Starwood and bigger rival Marriott International (MAR.N) tend not to own the hotels that carry their brands, preferring to generate revenue by collecting franchise and management fees.

In the United States, Starwood is the seventh-biggest hotel company, with three percent of the rooms, according to research from Goldman Sachs. But of the big U.S.-based hotel companies, Starwood has the largest international presence, with 80 percent of its pipeline outside the country.

EYES ON CHINA

Starwood's Asia Pacific region will account for half of its 2011 openings, including 19 Sheratons, 10 Westins and two St. Regis hotels planned for Greater China.

In 2011, mid-scale brands like Four Points will account for about 15 percent of Starwood's China openings, which is consistent with last year's development, the company said.

But Starwood has its eye on the 100-plus Chinese cities that already have at least a million residents but do not enjoy the "international gateway" status of Beijing or Shanghai.

"Not all of those cities will be able to support a full-fledged Sheraton hotel in the near-term but all will be able to absolutely support a Four Points," which is a smaller investment for Starwood's developers and owners, Turner said.

Within five years, Aloft and Four Points will be growing faster than Sheraton in China, he said.

In India, the company will open 7 hotels, three of them Alofts and two Four Points. Two Four Points will open in both Thailand and Malaysia.

Aloft and Four Points suit the suburban office park development that is spreading around cities like Mumbai, Turner said.

Source;http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/01/24/us-starwood-alis-idUSTRE70N2AS20110124

Honduras vs Ecuador Score and Highlights 2011

2011-02-10T11:26:00.000+05:30

The Honduras grabs a fully-deserved point in a 1-1 draw against Ecuador at Estadio Municipal Ceibeño Nilmo Edwards ground on Wednesday, 10 February 2011.

Honduras players, Jerry Bengtson have snatched a point in the first 8 minutes at Ceibeño Nilmo Edwards ground. The aggregate time saw Wilson Palacios rise up and place the ball behind Pablo Palacios (14′) and into the net ending the match with a goal from each side.

Both the teams had played six Friendly International matches in this season. They have drawn 2, won 2 and lost 2 matches. In the earlier friendly matches, the biggest winnings match for Honduras against Guatemala with 2-0 and Ecuador over Venezuela with 4-1 in the Friendly International games.

Both the squads have to lift up their performance and make sure they come out with a win to climb up further.

As Honduras got some big plays and a good win, while Ecuador play has gave them hope to look forward in the future to be the champions.

Rezidor to create more hotel jobs in London

2011-02-10T11:17:00.000+05:30

Rezidor Hotel Group is to create a number of hotel jobs in London with the construction of a new venue - the Park Inn London ExCeL.

The property will be located just 200 m west of the main entrance to the ExCeL Exhibition Centre at the Royal Victoria Dock.

Due to be constructed by Galliford Try, the hotel will feature 223 rooms and Rezidor hopes to open the venue in the second quarter of 2013.

Kurt Ritter, president and chief executive officer at Rezidor, said he was "delighted" to announce the new flagship hotel.

"This property will further strengthen the presence and brand awareness of our young and dynamic mid-market brand Park Inn in the UK," he added.

Last month, Rezidor announced that it was to build new hotels in Newcastle and Bournemouth, creating a number of hotel jobs in the cities.

Newcastle's Radisson Blu Hotel is set to include 170 rooms and the Park Inn Bournemouth will feature 172 rooms.

SOURCE:http://news.caterer.com/article/view/hotel/800349199/rezidor-to-create-more-hotel-jobs-in-london/

REP. Chris Lee resigns

2011-02-10T11:13:00.000+05:30

If we developed a list of things that a married member of Congress might not want to do in office, sending shirtless photos to a women on Craigslist who isn't your wife might be on that list.

That's all it took to draw the resignation of Rep. Chris Lee (R-NY), an otherwise obscure backbencher from Western New York, who saw his world turn upside down around 2pm, and was sending in his resignation letter just before dinner.

"I hereby give notice of my resignation from the United States House of Representatives, effective 5:00 pm EST," read a letter read by a House reading clerk as word of Lee's decision spread rapidly through the halls of the Capitol.

The trouble began when the gossip website Gawker.com put up a photo of Lee, which supposedly he sent to a woman whom he met in a dating area on Craigslist.

Lee reportedly said he was divorced, and a lobbyist, as he wooed a woman in the Washington, D.C. area.

Most damning was the photograph of a shirtless Rep. Lee, who described himself in an online exchange as a "fit fun classy guy."

Up until yesterday afternoon, Lee was an obscure Republican from Western New York whom I only knew through his Twitter postings, as I follow most every member of Congress that is also on Twitter.

On Wednesday afternoon, Lee was tweeting about a sit down with energy tycoon T. Boone Pickens.

A few hours later, Lee's office was releasing a statement announcing the Congressman's resignation, an amazingly short time in which the New York Republican went from unknown to out of office.

"I regret the harm that my actions have caused my family, my staff and my constituents. I deeply and sincerely apologize to them all," Lee said in a written statement.

"I have made profound mistakes and I promise to work as hard as I can to seek their forgiveness."

It was a startling chain of events that put another dart into the backside of GOP leaders this week, as they've suffered several unexpected setbacks on the floor of the House, and found themselves knee-deep in a tough intra-party battle over spending cuts.

While there was no official statement from the office of Speaker John Boehner, I wondered whether Lee had been given the high sign to leave by the Speaker himself, who has made it clear in the past that he has almost zero tolerance for any GOP ethical misdeeds.

Capsule Stage Reviews: Bus Stop, Gee's Bend, Triple Focus, Weekend with Pablo Picasso

2011-02-10T11:10:00.002+05:30

Bus Stop In the 1950s, William Inge was lauded along with Tennessee Williams and Arthur Miller as one of the three great American playwrights. His four seminal plays — Come Back, Little Sheba (1950), Picnic (1953), Bus Stop (1955) and Dark at the Top of the Stairs (1957) — were critical and popular successes, with Picnic winning the Pulitzer, and Inge winning an original screenplay Oscar for Splendor in the Grass (1961). Inge chronicled small-town Midwestern life by emphasizing the undercurrent of sexual frustration and failed dreams — sort of a flyover-country Chekhov. His works define an outsider's view of the world, and his last, unsuccessful plays are overt cries from a very sad gay man in the closet. Over the decades, his four great works from the '50s have suffered a precipitous critical decline that they don't deserve, so it's refreshing to see such a loving revival of his one true comedy at Texas Repertory Theatre Co. All the characters are outsiders — bus driver and passengers, waitresses, and the sheriff — stranded in Grace's diner on the Kansas interstate by a blizzard. (A gracious tip of the hat to designer Jodi Bobrovsky for her battered and well-lived-in set.) Rodeo cowboy Bo (Zachary Lewis, a tall drink of water in constant swirl) has fallen head over heels for untalented big-city bar singer Cherie (charming Eva LaPorte, though she sports a very unflattering platinum flip wig). Bo, after a night of lust, has forced her onto the bus and is taking her to his Montana ranch to get married. Impetuous and headstrong, he can't fathom why she hasn't fallen for him just as hard. Hardboiled owner Grace (lively Lisa Thomas Morrison) carries on with bus driver Carl (Jeffrey Lane); creepy former professor Dr. Lyman (Ted Doolittle) puts the make on teenage waitress Elma (Bethany McCade); town sheriff/church deacon Will (David Walker) keeps the peace by beating up rowdy Bo; and Bo's ranch foreman and father substitute Virgil (Ray Phillips) tries to teach Bo how to grow up. In this well-made play, everyone gets his moment to shine, and Inge spreads the love around. Lewis and LaPorte are nicely matched and play off each other with genuine sparkle and sparks. Itchy and full of macho posturing, Lewis never stays still, either rubbing his legs in nervous frustration or thumping his chest with youthful bravado. Seeing Cherie at the lunch counter, he bounds to her and hops over another stool to get cozy. He makes Bo a fascinating blur of adolescent manhood, and Texas Rep brings Inge back into the light. Through February 20. 14243 Stuebner Airline Rd., 281-583-7573. — DLG

Gee's Bend The Ensemble Theatre has brought to vibrant life Elyzabeth Gregory Wilder's Gee's Bend, the chronicle of a loving family set against the background of the African-American march toward equal rights. But this is a domestic drama, not a political one. It captures the life of Sadie, from courtship to maturity, and the story of her sister Nella and mother Alice. Her husband, Macon, is portrayed with energy and charm by Kendrick "Kay" Brown, as he progresses from swain to businessman, though his removal from politics is a source of domestic difficulties. But this is essentially the tale of three women — and what women they are. In her acting debut with Ensemble, Michelle Harper gives a stunning performance, moving and intelligent — we see her coquettish at 15 in 1939 and resolute and compassionate in 2002, the time-span of this family saga. And she is matched by Detria Marie Ward as the mother, stern and protective but with a ready wit, and by Teacake as the sister, whose dry humor gets the most laughs in the production. While the subject is serious, the work is lighthearted, laced with humor and graced with snatches of poignant gospel songs. The narrative traces how quilts made by the descendants of slaves found their way to become art and hang on museum walls — a viewing in a museum by the three women has emotional power. Similar emotions are evoked by simple elements — a sip at a water fountain, a key, a jar of VapoRub. The handsome wooden set by Jodi Bobrovsky serves multiple purposes well. Director Elizabeth Van Dyke has created an acting ensemble well-suited to a theater with that name — Gee's Bend is likely to be one of the season's most enjoyable productions. Through February 27. The Ensemble Theatre, 3535 Main, 713-520-0055. — JT

Triple Focus The Jewish Community Center of Houston kicked off the first of three dance concerts for Dance Month at the Kaplan Theater with a showcase of contemporary dance companies Hope Stone Dance Company, HIStory and NobleMotion Dance. NobleMotion Dance's a small place, choreographed by Andy Noble, delivered both the most delicate and the fiercest performance of the night. Erin Reck's incredible solo performance portrayed a woman on the edge of breakdown, while Noble's choreography masterfully teetered between fervent, wild gestures and quiet questioning. HIStory, a hip-hop dance company, rocked the show with the stand-out crowd favorite Check It Out, choreographed by Joel Rivera, Mark Chaves, Bryan Paule, Jesse Garcia and Sharon Roberts. Featuring guest performers from Inertia, the Westside High School student dance company, Check It Out was a virtuosic slideshow of b-girls vs. b-boys, break dance circles and one-upmanship. These dancers wowed with rhythmic unity and anything but out-of-the-can acrobatic feats. But even more noteworthy was the generous and sunny performance HIStory and Inertia offered up. Donning shiny black rain boots and military-gray wool dresses, Hope Stone Dance Company premiered In Situ, laced with political undertones. Artistic Director and choreographer Jane Weiner crafted a captivating dance that undulated between patriotic play and martial servitude. JCC's Dance Month continues with a performance by Houston Ballet II February 12. Jewish Community Center, 5601 S. Braeswood, 713-551-7255. — RT

Source: http://www.houstonpress.com/2011-02-10/culture/capsule-stage-reviews-bus-stop-gee-s-bend-triple-focus-weekend-with-pablo-picasso/

How do Hotels please their guests

2011-02-10T11:02:00.000+05:30

PBX w/ integrated Hotel Features & PMS Ideal for 10-500 Hotel Rooms. MatrixComsec.com
A look at the quirky jobs offered by leading hotels worldwide has revealed that now they also employ people to work as bed warmers, pigeon chasers, and even bedtime storytellers.

The list, compiled by Hotels.com, revealed the Holiday Inn Kensington Forum in London tops the weird list with their exclusive service of a Human Bed Warmer, News.com.au reported.

On request, a member of staff dons a special head-to-toe suit and hops into guests' beds for five minutes before they retire for the night, moving around under the sheets to create a nice and cosy sleeping environment.

The Hotel Andaz in London offers bedtime story service, and guests, no matter what age, can call for a Bedtime Storyteller to come to their room and read them the book of their choice.

The Barnsley Gardens Resort in Georgia, US, has its own in-house Fairy Godmother, who spends her time making guests' romantic wishes come true.

And the Rambagh Palace in India employs two people as Pigeon Chasers. Their job is to stand in the courtyard and scare birds away by waving a large flag for nine hours, every day.

Similarly, Santa Barbara's Biltmore Four Seasons employs a Hotel Falconer, who wanders the pool's perimeter with a falcon on arm to shoo away seagulls.

And Amanbagh Resort in India employs Monkey Men, who patrol the grounds armed with slingshots to keep the monkeys from stealing food. (ANI)