Hello fellow global bloggers! Welcome to Global Traveler’s new blog page. We have been wanting to do this for some time, but we have delayed to ensure that we got it just right. Our blog will be written by several on the Global Traveler team to give you a truly well-rounded perspective on the business/luxury travel industry. Those contributing are myself, Lisa Matte, Mary Hunt, Alexandra Young, Richard Evans and Kimberly Krol. We may invite guest bloggers from time to time.I am writing this first report from seat 4D on USAirways flight 734 from LAX to PHL. The flight attendant has just informed me that they forgot to supply the plane with hangers, so my suit coat has to be rolled up and stuffed in the overhead compartment. Is it really that difficult to get first class right? I just spent two days in Los Angeles where I stayed at the Raffles L’Ermitage - a place where they do get it right. Look for an upcoming interview with the General Manager, Jack Naderkhani, in the pages of Global Traveler. The L’Ermitage has an excellent staff of helpful employees who make sure the needs of every guest are met. The Writer Bar is a hangout for those in the movie industry and is a perfect and tranquil getaway.

I spent the time in Los Angeles meeting and touring many of the properties that have undergone significant changes. The Hyatt Regency Century Plaza (formerly the Westin) is an icon in Century City. (see photos below) Hyatt has invested millions into the property creating a totally new and fresh feel. They have recently opened the X Bar, with a hip design, outdoor seating and three fire pits. They also opened the new Regency Club lounge, located on the first floor. There is now a full service Starbucks in the lobby and the next phase of renovation will include the lobby and extending the lobby lounge through to the pool. All the rooms and suites (excluding the presidential suites) have been renovated with a totally new look. Great additions that will be coming very soon are self-service kiosks in the lobby for quick check-in. I’ve been told that the under-35 crowd heads right for the kiosk, while the over-35 crowd prefers the front desk personnel.

From there, I toured the InterContinental Century City (formerly the Park Hyatt) and met with the new director of sales and marketing, Jay Smith, to learn about their plans for this wonderful new property. Under the Park Hyatt flag, Global Traveler readers voted the Park Hyatt LA one of the top 10 in the world and the team at the InterContinental intends to keep this high level of consumer satisfaction. Wait for more exciting news about their new chef and other plans as the reflagging of this LA gem continues.

Across town, right near the Beverly Center, is the Sofitel on Beverly Boulevard, which recently underwent a total makeover. Brent Martin, their cool and classy GM, offered Kate Simpson and I a complete tour, from the renovated rooms (be sure to try and see - or book - the penthouse suite) to the spa. This four-and-a-half star property is now part of the Hollywood scene and has made the right decision not extending this feel to the rooms, which are warm and cozy/cool.

And I come full circle to domestic first class - it makes me want to cry to think USAirways and other airlines think plastic cups are acceptable in first class. My daughter just graduated from high school and when we had a 70 person open house, my wife and I decided no plastic cups, no paper plates. It was a smashing success and our guests felt valued. I am officially taking a stand on plastic cups on first class or at parties! Now, isn’t that what we all want from business class, first class, and 4-and-5 star hotels?

I’m off to Iceland next where I will report to you about golf in the land where summer is all night long.

-Fran Gallagher, publisher and CEO, Global Traveler

This entry was posted on Monday, June 25th, 2007 at 11:08 am and is filed under Hotels, Airlines, Fran's Blog. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.