Archive for the ‘Hotel Stories’ Category

OPUS Hotels Take Lead as Canada’s Premiere Boutique Brand

November 16th, 2011
OPUS recognized by readers of Conde Nast Traveler Magazine

OPUS Hotels recognized as Best in the World by Conde Nast Traveler Magazine

It’s time to say “bye-bye” to big hotel chains and their long lobby lineups and “hello!” to the friendly service of boutique hotels. Readers of Condé Nast Traveler Magazine have done just that.

OPUS Hotels was recently recognized amongst the world’s hospitality elite as “Best in the World” and “Best in Business Travel” by readers of Condé Nast Traveler. In fact, OPUS Hotels was the only boutique brand included on the Best in Business Travel list which has us feeling very thankful considering that travelers have a lot of choices.

Year after year, OPUS Hotels is widely recognized as best of the best by esteemed outlets including Condé Nast Traveler, Travel + Leisure and Forbes Traveler. OPUS Hotels, for consecutive years, has even been included in the Presenters’ Gift Baskets at the Academy Awards.

As General Manager of OPUS Vancouver, I am extremely proud to share these achievements with our Team.

So what sets OPUS Hotels apart in a crowded market?

Without giving away all of OPUS’ fabulous secrets, here are the top 5 reasons savvy business travelers crave a dose of OPUS while on the road:

  1. Complimentary Welcome Beverage
    After a long day of traveling and being assaulted by frisky airport security agents, it’s nice to unwind with a drink. That’s why OPUS Hotels offers every guest a refreshing welcome cocktail at check-in (something airport security could consider before those invasive pat-downs).
  2. Residential Ambience
    Something to read other than the room service book? A custom music selection to rock out to in the shower? Rooms at OPUS Hotels are unlike any other. Inspired by five fictional guests, each room has its own personality, from modern and minimalist to artful and eclectic. Rooms are complete with a unique selection of artwork, books, magazines and music.
  3. Luxury BMW Downtown Chauffeur Car Service
    Time is money. Jet-setting business guests don’t like to wait in taxi queues, nor do they care for chatty cabbies blasting foreign radio. That’s why OPUS Vancouver and Montreal offer all guests complimentary downtown drop-offs in the hotels’ luxurious BMWs. So whether guests are attending a button-down business meeting, or simply popping off for some late night Chinese – OPUS makes sure they arrive in style.  
  4. Whimsical Service
    After a long day at the office, guests return to a sensory wonderland in their rooms. From freshly turned down bed linens and cool water carafes to relaxing mood music and retro candy bedtime treats, getting into bed with OPUS is an unforgettable experience.
  5. Award Winning Bars & Restaurants
    The Zagat rated, award winning bars and restaurants at OPUS Hotels are sought-after destinations themselves. No visit to Vancouver is complete without meeting over drinks at OPUS Bar or enjoying a taste of La Dolce Vita at OPUS’ Cento Notti Pop-Up Restaurant. OPUS Montreal’s KOKO Restaurant + Bar is the city’s premier dining and nightlife hotspot, and was recently included on Condé Nast’s Hot List, Hot Nights List. Hint, hint – a perfect venue to entertain discerning business associates and clients.

Earth Hour at OPUS: the lights will be out, but everybody will be home

March 25th, 2011

For two hours beginning at 8:30 PM on Saturday, March 26, OPUS Hotel Vancouver will join world icons like the Eiffel Tower in Paris, the Sydney Harbour Bridge, and Rome’s Coliseum in shutting lights off to commemorate Earth Hour.

Around the world, people and businesses will turn off lights and come together in celebration and contemplation of the one thing we all share in common. No, I don’t mean death, taxes, and Justin Bieber. I mean our planet.

Organized by WWF, Earth Hour started just four years ago, in Sydney, Australia, and has since become the biggest grassroots environmental movement in history, with 128 countries and territories participating last year. This year participants are urged to go “beyond the hour”: to think about what else we can do to preserve the planet after the lights go back on.

On the heels of the devastation of the recent earthquake and tsunami in Japan, Earth Hour seems particularly poignant this year. At OPUS the tragedy feels especially close to home. Our own Haruko Motoyama, national sales director, was born in Japan and all her family lives there.

“I learned about the earthquake when my Mom called me on Skype from Yokohama,” says Haruko. “We spent the next three hours talking. There were constant aftershocks, and Mom kept hiding under the table. During the following days there were blackouts and the phone networks were down, so I kept up to date through Twitter.”

Fortunately, Haruko’s family is safe. But fear of another earthquake and radiation exposure prompted her parents and two sisters, one three months pregnant, to fly to Vancouver. “When they arrived they had a hard time adjusting to still ground,” Haruko says. “In Japan the earth was trembling every half hour or so.”

Haruko says she’s touched by how the international community has rallied in support of Japan. “Small things make a difference,” she says, “like Shaw Cable offering the Japanese news channel for free and phone companies offering free long distance calls to Japan. It shows that we truly are a global community.”

At OPUS we like to think that every hour is Earth Hour—except for the turning off all the lights part, which could get inconvenient for guests. When it comes to environmental-friendly hotel practices we were early adopters. So it’s only natural that we’re all about Earth Hour.

On Saturday night it’ll be lights out at the front desk, in the lobby, bar, and restaurant, and on the hotel’s exterior. Guests will be encouraged to participate, and guestrooms will be supplied with flashlights, which they can keep for $5, with all proceeds going to the Japan Relief Fund.

And who says Earth Hour can’t be a bit sexy? Dinner and drinks will be by candlelight in OPUS Bar and One Hundred Nights, where a special “Going Beyond the Hour” three-course menu will be available for $45. Throughout the hotel, 15% of food revenue will be donated to the Japan Relief Fund.

For more information about Earth Hour and how you can contribute, click here.

 

Lifestyle characters revisited, Part 5

February 12th, 2011

With the recent refresh of OPUS Vancouver’s suites, and guestrooms soon to follow, we asked the fictional muses behind our five lifestyle décor schemes to author a few posts. Our fifth and final post is from Pierre, the food and wine critic from Paris.


Pierre arrives sans Pierre

I arrived from Paris today, this is my first time at this hôtel boutique called OPUS. So far, not so bad. At first the walls were … how do you say? … a bit hard for my eyes, especially after three bottles of ’86 Château Cos d’Estournel at le Cinq last night (there were four of us, but two were not drinking, the philistines.) Now that my eyes are adjusting I must say I am finding the color very stimulating – Hermès orange, but of course.

The people here are so friendly. Why all the smiling? At the front desk I met a woman named Dede who looked familiar – an American actress, I believe. Beautiful girl, but the French? Une abomination.

There was also a guy named Mike, a doctor from New York, and his filthy mutt kept sniffing at my crotch. Had precious Pierre been present (yes, Pierre), he would have snapped off her snout in an instant. But Pierre travels first class only, and Le Monde is paying for this trip.

I am here to research a story about the culinary scene in Vancouver, so I have many restaurants to visit: Campagnolo, Blue Water Café, West, Bao Bei and Vijs – and this just tonight. The bellman has offered to drive me to Gastown in the hotel’s BMW 7 Series at no charge. So I will arrive in style, but, as usual, alone.

First I think I will explore this neighborhood they call Yaletown. It’s a former warehouse district, mostly residential, and the architecture is quite unique. Ce n’est pas Paris, but moi j’adore the open spaces, the tall glass buildings and the salty-fresh air.

In fact, I feel inspired. I think I’ll head down to the water for a jog. When in Rome …

Pierre

Lifestyle characters revisited, Part 4

February 5th, 2011

Editor’s note: With the recent refresh of OPUS Vancouver’s suites, and guestrooms soon to follow, we asked the fictional muses behind our five lifestyle décor schemes to author a few posts. This one’s from Billy, the enlightened rock star from London.

Billy Brings the Blokes

Mothers, lock up your daughters! The blokes from London are here, and no reasonably attractive female under twenty-five is safe (or for Roddy any she-male under eighty).

I’m knackered, far too old for this, but it’s been a grueling tour and I need to let off some steam. Enough with African relief, it’s time for Billy relief! And that better involve serious snogging.

I hear they’re planning to refresh the rooms here but did the suites first. Since I don’t feel compelled to stay in suites to compensate for any … er, shortcomings … I guess I’ll have to wait. But I saw the showroom at OPUS Hotel Montreal last week, and Billy likes … Billy wants.

The wankers should be swinging by shortly, provided they haven’t been tossed on the street by management. We’ll start with bevies and nosh in the new pop-up restaurant here, One Hundred Days. Had a peek and love the edgy, urban look. Change was a long time coming. After that it’s to Gastown for some hell-raisin’, and in the morn its up to Whistler for some death-match boarding.

Hey, I heard Dede’s in town. Maybe I should give her a ring, see if she wants to party?

First I’m going to crank up the Arcade Fire and meditate. Loud music, inner peace – that’s what Billy needs.

-Billy

Lifestyle characters (& suites) revisited, Part 3

January 10th, 2011


Editor’s Note: With the recent refresh of OPUS Vancouver’s suites, we’ve asked the fictional muses behind our five lifestyle décor schemes to write a few posts. The third comes from Susan, the fashion exec from Toronto. The above video showcases the new design of her suite.


Someone Spits on Susan

Argh!!! I presented the new line today, and the buyers rejected it full-stop! Said it was too “out there”. Seriously? What do they know about fashion – half the old farts were in Men’s Warehouse suits, the rest in fleece. Fleece! What is it with this city?

Then, as I’m climbing out of the cab in front of OPUS, I feel moisture hit my face. I look up, thinking it’s starting to rain (again), and see some chick leaning over the balcony. I swear she spit on me. She looked like that actress, Dede, but I couldn’t be sure – there was spittle in my eye.

Okay, relax, Susan. On to more important things … where’s that damned mini-bar? Here we go. Ooooh, come to mama all you shiny pretty things!

No, Susan. Bad girl. Put the Snickers bar down and back away.

Not even an itsy splash of red wine? It’s good for you. Oh dear, there’s only a full-size bottle. Oh well, bottoms up! Oooh, Pringles go great with wine, don’t they? Wait—four bucks? Hmmm …

Gosh, I’ve always loved this suite, but with this paler shade of blue, it feels even more soothing. I can work for hours on this comfy king bed, surrounded by these whimsical patterns, those curvy lamps, and … hey, is that a Tiko Kerr on the wall? Yes! One of my local faves.

Well, back to work for me. Tomorrow I’ve got a brutal day of meetings, but then I get to take a spin around the art gallery, and after that it’s my favourite opera at the Q E Theatre: Lucia di Lammermoor. Tonight, however, the agenda’s a tad less refined: wine, Pringles and Top Model.

Mommy better call the hubby and chicklets in Toronto before she gets too tipsy. Ciao for now!

-Susan

Lifestyle characters (& suites) revisited, Part 2

January 4th, 2011


Editor’s Note: With the recent refresh of OPUS Vancouver’s suites, we’ve asked the fictional muses behind our five lifestyle décor schemes to write our next few posts. The second comes from New York doctor Mike, along with the above video showcasing the new design of his suite.

Mike gets upstaged

Okay, this is the last time I invite Anna Nicole on a trip. The little bitch has upstaged me at every turn, most recently with kee-ute Parisian guy I was checking out in the lobby while he was checking in. But he only had eyes for her, and she wasn’t exactly shy about returning the affection.

Look at her now, gnawing so innocently on that Milk Bone. Maybe it’s for the best that Steve and I are taking a break – I can only handle one princess at a time. Hmmm … wonder how he’s doing now?

Wait – my suite looks different. Feels bigger, brighter … the color is lighter. That big oak cabinet – gone! I’m liking this translucent divider. And what’s this – a king bed? Awesome.

Hey Anna Nicole, what do you say we shack up together tonight?

She doesn’t look enthusiastic. I think she’s pining for Pierre, the little tart.

At least I’m not stuck at the convention hotel this time. In Chicago I got pressured into having dinner with the other gynies, and it was so eye-stabbingly dull I faked sick and left early. An hour later, I’m heading out clubbing in a muscle shirt and tight jeans when I run smack into the guys in the lobby. “Feeling better are we, Mike?” one says, and they all crack up. Awkward.

Well, princess has to pee, so I’m going to fire up this Nespresso machine, brew a double shot, and take her down for a run – she just loves to see and be seen on the seawall. After that it’s a quick pre-party pump in the fitness room and then dancing at 560. Hey, maybe Pierre will be there …

What’s that, Anna Nicole? Sorry, sweetheart – no dogs allowed.

-Mike

About that item you left in your room

June 25th, 2010

A recent story about a hotel housekeeper in Miami who found in $6,000 in cash in a guestroom got me to thinking about items guests leave behind. As travelers, we’ve all experienced that sensation upon arriving at the airport that our luggage feels pleasantly lighter – only to realize we left half our belongings in the closet of our hotel room.

Curious, I decided to pay a visit to OPUS hotel’s housekeeping department to see what was kicking around Lost and Found. There I found boxes and boxes of guest belongings. Most of it looked like junk abandoned by guests, but hotels undertake too many frantic dumpster dives to make assumptions about what guests may or may not deem as valuable.

While I was perusing the log book, a group of housekeeping staff filed in after their shift, and one of them deposited an item on the desk before me.

“A bra?” I asked, staring. It was one big bra.

“Happens all the time,” said Alejandro, one of the housemen.

“Usually it’s men’s underwear,” said Mila, making a face. (more…)

Summer in Montreal: moi, j’adore

April 5th, 2010

Montreal’s summer festival season is fast approaching, a time of year when the locals take their joie de vivre to the streets. The city’s enthusiasm for arts, music and spectacle makes for a spirited and enriching summer, with back-to-back events featuring live music, street performers, comedy, sports and cinema.

I experienced festival season in 2008, after I relocated from Vancouver as Opus Montreal’s temporary resident manager. It didn’t take long to realize that my tight-assed anglophone persona needed some adjustment. Shortly after arriving, I was entertaining a group of locals on the terrace of Koko Restaurant + Bar. It was a Tuesday night, and I was hoping for an early-morning workout before work the next day. Around midnight, our waiter swung by to offer more wine, and I declined, assuming my guests would agree it was the sensible thing to do. Pas du tout. I was unanimously overruled, and the party continued until the wee hours of the morning. (more…)

Behind the scenes before the Winter Olympics

February 9th, 2010

With the 2010 Winter Olympic Games due to start in Vancouver this Friday, I decided to pay a surprise visit to Opus Hotel to check in on frantic last-minute preparations. I didn’t exactly find what I expected!

 

What to do when things go wrong in a hotel

February 3rd, 2010

People often corner me at social functions to tell me about a problem they’ve had in a hotel. It doesn’t matter if I’ve never worked for the hotel or the incident occurred seventeen years ago; apparently, it’s my duty to listen. Sometimes I get the impression they think I’m somehow to blame.

I don’t mind, though. Bad service stories are fascinating. But often, as I hear the teller describe how the entire hotel staff conspired to ruin her stay, I see a different side. I see employees trying to help, and I see guests getting in the way. And I can’t help but think that if travelers had a bit more insight into how hotels worked, they’d have more time to enjoy their trips. And I’d have more fun at cocktail parties.

To that end, I thought I’d share a few insider tips on what to do when things go wrong in a hotel.  

Should you complain? Probably. Hotels need to know if you’re dissatisfied; it gives us a chance to turn things around for you and to fix things for future guests. But if you set expectations the hotel can’t meet, such as a harbor view in a prairie hotel, resist the temptation to shift the blame. The best way to avoid unpleasant surprises is to check out online reviews before you book. They’ll give you the real story, warts and all. (more…)