Filed under: The fate of the 114-room inn underscores what some Boston-area colleges will do for housing The Ames Hotel at 1 Court Street in downtown Boston is reportedly closing September 24 to make way for its conversion into a Suffolk University dormitory. The hotel does not appear to be taking reservations past that date. News of Suffolk acquiring the 114-room inn in the historic Ames building broke in late August. The school hopes to have students moving in by the fall of 2020 and paid $63.5 million for the site, per the Globe's Tim Logan. Related
An employee working at common areas of Bedok North Vale. (Photo: China Construction Realty) SINGAPORE: Construction companies told CNA on Thursday (Nov 11) that they might see “slight” delays in ongoing projects when an upcoming vaccinated travel lane (VTL) between Singapore and Malaysia launches on Nov 29. Since Malaysia first implemented its movement control order (MCO) in March last year, many of their Malaysian workers in Singapore have not returned home to their families due to border restrictions and stringent entry requirements from both sides. Under the VTL, fully vaccinated people will be allowed to travel between Singapore and Malaysia, without having to serve quarantine or stay-home notice. Instead, they will only need to undergo COVID-19 tests. Companies CNA spoke to said they are bracing themselves for a dip in manpower once their workers start applying for leave to go home. "We are expecting a slight delay (in our projects)," said Mr Toh Chee Boon, director of China Construction (South Pacific) Development, adding that the company currently has 30 ongoing projects. While he did not specify how long the delay could be, Mr Toh shared that his company has already seen an average delay of nine months across its projects. "During the period where they return home, (other employees) can help each other by working more to cover their duties," he said, adding that the company will be reassigning work to those who do not have links to Malaysia. He said the company, which employs around 100 Malaysian workers, is also likely to stagger leave applications to minimise disruptions to its operations. East Asia Engineering & Construction said it will monitor the leave applications once the VTL kicks off. "We will have to observe the situation because we already had some (workers), about four or five, who went back to Malaysia but were unable to come back," said the company's CEO Phillip Heng. "But the situation is still very bad… there are delays, (along with) shortage of manpower, increasing cost," he added. Steel producer and supplier company Oriental Sheet Piling said it has been making arrangements for employees – including Malaysian nationals- to work remotely, if possible. As for those whose job requires them to be on-site, the company is looking at how to support them and facilitate their requests to return home. "The end of the year is mostly when people take leave on both sides of the causeway, but what we are intending to do is to give them the opportunity to go back," said Mr Goh Wei Khan, director of Oriental Sheet Piling (ArcelorMittal). "We will support them fully and make arrangements such that they can go back to see their families and also for some of them. I’m definitely sure some of their families would like to visit them," he said, adding that the company is currently in talks with its employees to come up with suitable arrangements. "There will be some delays (to ongoing projects) but I wouldn't completely attribute it to the VTL, I think the primary factor is still an overall labour crunch," he added. While the resumption of cross-border travel may potentially exacerbate the current manpower crunch, construction companies told CNA the impact is unlikely to be big or long-lasting. What is crucial, they said, is that it will help to boost staff morale and emotional well-being. "A lot of these people have not been back (to Malaysia) for close to two years and so the VTL helps with the mental well-being of members of the industry, (giving) them this opportunity to catch up with whatever links they have across the other side of the causeway," said director of Straits Construction Kenneth Loo. "And if you plan properly, you won't have everyone going back at the same time … so perhaps this can minimise the impact," he added. Echoing his sentiment, Mr Toh urged Singaporeans not to rush to travel to Malaysia for holidays, due to the limited number of flights travelling between Changi Airport and Kuala Lumpur International Airport under the VTL. On Monday, authorities announced that the VTL will start with six designated services between the two airports a day. "Some may not be able to get a ticket because people might be too eager to go for a holiday, so I would like to urge these people to try and give these Malaysians a chance to go home," said Mr Toh. Others said the VTL could also help to bring in new hires. "We’ve experienced before that sometimes we see a drop in Malaysian applicants who work in Singapore because they’re not able to travel back and forth, or (secure) accommodation for the family, so our view is that there might be even more opportunity for labour to come in, at least from Malaysia, given this VTL," said Mr Goh. "Some of the applicants that we have spoken to recently actually in fact referenced the VTL and said they will be more comfortable working in Singapore because they know that they'll be able to see their family on a regular basis," he added. "So overall, I think the VTL is providing more opportunities – both from a hiring perspective and a company and business perspective – in giving people mobility across the board, so it's a net positive." This service is not intended for persons residing in the E.U. By clicking subscribe, I agree to receive news updates and promotional material from Mediacorp and Mediacorp's partners.
Over the next two years, Boston and Cambridge will be flush with more than 2,000 new hotel rooms, some tiny (the micro rooms of the plucky Moxy hotel in the Theater District), others located in what will be the city's tallest new building since 1976 (the Four Seasons Hotel and Private Residences). But as I write this, I'm not neatly tucked away for the night in a posh new building. I'm sitting under the watchful eye of a psychedelic owl in a hotel that was once a crusty Days Inn. This was my first night in the newly renovated Studio Allston Hotel. The concept behind the hotel is art, and lots of it. The lobby looks as if Roy Lichtenstein and Romero Britto hosted an art orgy and forgot to clean up when they were finished. It pops in ways that Orville Redenbacher could have only imagined. Based on the modern, chic lobby, I imagined that my night would be akin to sleeping in an art gallery. Studio Allston was one of the new and newly refreshed Boston hotels I stayed in this summer. I like to keep up with the changes in the city's hospitality scene, and that requires a lot of sleeping around. Please elevate those minds out of the sewer system; I'm a married man. Advertisement As always, the hotels I visited did not know my identity, and the Globe received no special treatment, rates, or freebies. Of the half-dozen I reviewed, I'll confess I was most excited to stay at Studio Allston because it was heavy on concept. Twelve contemporary artists created murals in each guest room. Five of the hotel's 10 guest suites were designed as "unique, immersive works of art." I didn't stay in an immersive suite, but my room at Studio Allston was immersive in other ways. I opened the door and found several water-logged panels of the bathroom ceiling tile had fallen on the floor and around the sink. Advertisement I explained the dilemma to the front desk and was given another room. The ceiling of this room was intact, but there was a brown water stain on what should have been a flawless and fresh ceiling. The hotel had been open just a month at the time of my stay. There were spots in the toilet that I think, and hope, were rust spots. I was like a latter-day Lady MacBeth flushing over and over yelling "Out, damned spots." There was cool art in the room, but there was also a popcorn ceiling. According to young couples looking for houses on HGTV, a popcorn ceiling is about as desirable as owning a house cat with incontinence problems. But before I get ahead of myself, let me take you on a full tour of some of Boston's newest and newly refurbished hotels. STUDIO ALLSTON HOTEL The lowdown: Once a sad, musty Days Inn, Studio Allston underwent a $21 million renovation this year to be reborn as a sprawling 117 room art-themed hotel. Twelve local artists created 28 distinct motifs for the rooms. The façade of the building even sports a large black frame. The Soldiers Field Road location isn't ideal, but the hotel is priced accordingly for the neighborhood. The lobby is a show-stopper and lets you know that the hotel isn't afraid to be colorful, but it's also not the kind of lobby where guests would necessarily kick back and relax. A South American and Cuban restaurant is coming, and should help boost the communal social vibe. Advertisement The experience: The art in my room was created by multimedia artist Jay LaCouture, and featured prints of a tiger, a giraffe, and a trio of owls over the bed. But despite the cool art, fresh paint, and new carpet, the first thing I wrote in my notebook after a quick look around the room was "lipstick on a pig." The bathtub and shower was updated with an acrylic overlay. The drop ceiling in the bathroom didn't feel ironically retro, it just felt dated. I think some old wallpaper in the room was simply painted over. I was hoping that the hotel would be completely gutted and refurbished. Was I being overly picky and detail obsessed? Yes, but that's my job. The bed was comfortable, the room was spacious, and despite the hotel's location on a fairly busy road, my room was quiet. The standard for new hotel rooms are in-wall USB ports, but I couldn't find any. Coffee maker in room: No, but free coffee is available in the lobby. Breakfast included: Yes. There was a continental breakfast, and I consumed a pecan roll the size of my fist. Room service: No. On-site dining options: None at the moment, but Casa Cana, a Latin kitchen, patio, and rum bar will open soon. Minibar: No minibar, and no refrigerator in the room. Advertisement Gym: For a hotel with 117 rooms, the gym was shockingly small. Theft-worthy toiletries? Yes. They stocked Ben Sherman toiletries, which smell wonderful. Best of all, they're not bolted to the wall. Parking: Parking is included in the $12 resort fee. Published nightly rate: Rooms start around $200 a night. What I paid: $232 Worth the stay? If you can find a low rate, it may be worth it. But my suggestion would be to lower expectations before packing your suitcase, or hunt for a budget option in the city. 1234 Soldiers Field Road, 617-206-1848, www.hotel studioallston.com.
YOTEL The lowdown: Yotel, the city's first microhotel, opened in the Seaport neighborhood last summer with rooms that are a well-designed 150 square feet. In Yotelspeak, the minimalist rooms are called cabins, and they look as if they've been plucked from a swanky spaceship and deposited in Boston. There are some unnecessary but fun features, such as lights that can change color to suit your mood. A sofa unfurls into a bed with the touch of a switch. Yotel is a good option for a solo traveler passing through town for a night or two. I wouldn't recommend it for an extended stay or a couple with lots of luggage. The experience: Along with other microhotels, Yotel is big on technology and common areas. I entered the lobby (called Mission Control), sidled up to a screen, and checked myself into a room in about two minutes. I even made my own key. You can order a robot to bring drinks to you. There's a rooftop bar and restaurant called the Sky Bar, which serves small bites and cocktails. Instead of sitting in my room, I headed up to the Sky Bar and sipped prosecco and people-watched. It's a fun, bustling hotel. It was so bustling that there was a bit of hallway noise when I tried to sleep. Despite that, my bed was very comfortable and I slept well. Advertisement Coffee maker in room: No. Breakfast included: No. Room service: No. On-site dining options: Food and drinks available at the Club Lounge during the day and the Sky Bar at night. Even if you're not staying at the Yotel, I recommend going to the Sky Bar for a drink. It's a much more relaxing experience compared to the mammoth, meat market roof deck at the nearby Envoy Hotel. You can also get the hotel's robot, YO2D2 to deliver you a drink. Minibar: There's no minibar, and no refrigerator in the room. Gym: Modern equipment, clean and compact. Theft-worthy toiletries? Sadly, no. There was no stealing these toiletries. They were in refillable dispensers affixed to the wall. Parking: Valet at $49 a night. Published nightly rate: Rooms start at $359, but can go over $500 a night during busy periods. What I paid: $154 Worth the stay? At my $154 rate, I'd say absolutely yes. If the rate climbs over $500, I'd look for a hotel room with more space. It's perfectly situated in the Seaport and is an all-around fun experience. 65 Seaport Blvd., 617-377-4747, www.yotel.com/Boston. KIMPTON NINE ZERO The lowdown: The Kimpton Nine Zero has always been a solid Boston boutique offering, but this spring it unveiled a $10 million refresh that gives the hotel a warm, classic look. Can the adjective "buttery" be used to describe an emotion that one feels in a hotel? The decor is mid-century meets Brahmin. It's dripping in rich chestnut-colored leather and wood accents. It's undeniably masculine, but not overwhelmingly so. It's like a tweedy hug from a man wearing nice cologne and a mustache. The $200 to $600 price point falls into a category that general manager Michal Penek calls "accessible luxury." The hotel's lobby — called the Living Room — is comfortable and ideal for people watching. It will get even better when the Nine Zero's new cocktail bar, the Better Sorts Social Club, opens this fall. The experience: There's a fantastic novelty when you self-check into a hotel filled with buzzers, robots, and LED crawls (see Yotel above). But I was reminded at Nine Zero that there is also something special about a front desk clerk named Court who enthusiastically asks if everything about my stay was enjoyable, and even apologizes that he didn't have a chance to assist me when I checked in the night before. The world needs more Courts. My room was large with an honest-to-goodness Eames lounge chair. I plunked myself down with a book (it felt like the right thing to do) and relaxed. Complaints here were minimal. There was some hall noise, and I could hear the television in the room next to mine. Coffee maker in room: Yes. Breakfast included: Yes, grab and go style. Room service: Yes. On-site dining: The Nine Zero's restaurant and bar are currently being renovated, so there is currently no dining at the hotel. Minibar: Yes Gym: Small, bright, and spotless Theft-worthy toiletries: Yes, good stuff from Atelier Bloem. Parking: Valet at $49 a night. Published nightly rate: Rooms start at $200 a night. What I paid: $455 Worth the stay? Everything about the Nine Zero was relaxing, aside from a bit of extraneous hallway noise. I loved the marriage of classic and modern decor and the details that let patrons know that they're in Boston, but not fussy old Boston. The price seemed a bit steep, but I stayed during a busy summer weekend when rates were high everywhere. 90 Tremont St., 617-772-5800, www.ninezero.com
AMES BOSTON HOTEL The lowdown: After a $6 million makeover, the Ames, which is a Hilton property, feels born again. I was always a fan of this property, particularly its lounge and restaurant scene. After the hotel finished renovations last spring, it debuted Cultivar, a restaurant by acclaimed chef Mary Dumont. This is the kind of hotel restaurant you seek out even if you're not staying in the hotel. Off the main lobby is an area called the Library, a communal work space that has a vague mid-century feel about it. It's smartly designed with outlets everywhere. If you plan to get any work done here, bring your headphones. I came across many loud cellphone talkers. When will people learn that it's not necessary to scream into cellphones? The experience: It was a beautiful day, so I decided to try something I seldom do. I borrowed a hotel bike and headed for the water. Like free Internet and complimentary bottled water, hotel bikes are quickly becoming a standard feature. When I returned, I jumped in the shower. You can tell a lot about the quality of a hotel by its bathroom. Even though it was small (as was my room), the bathroom was posh and elegant. My bed was comfortable, and this was one of the most restful nights sleep I experienced while hotel hopping. Coffee maker in room: Yes. Breakfast included: No. Room service: Yes. Minibar: Yes. Gym: Yes. Bright and clean. Theft-worthy toiletries? Yes, yes, a million times yes. They stock Molton Brown, which is one of my favorite brands. I asked housekeeping to bring up some extra tiny bottles, and they dropped off about 10. Parking: Valet at $49 a night. Published nightly rate: Rooms start at $349 a night. What I paid: $630. Worth the stay? The summer weekend price was very steep, but the downtown location is ideal for tourists. When the rate is more reasonable, this hotel comes highly recommended. It's comfortable and the staff is top-notch. Did I mention the toiletries here are amazing? 1 Court St., 617-979-8100, ameshotel.com.
AC by MARRIOTT BOSTON The lowdown: Welcome to Marriott for millennials. It's marketed with all the proper buzz words (heritage, collaborative work space, craft cocktails). This sentence from the hotel's website is like millennial catnip: "At AC Hotels' aesthetically inspired spaces, entrepreneurs and mentors indulge in local craft beers, specialty Spanish wines on tap, and hand-crafted signature cocktails during meetings, brainstorms, and feedback sessions, creating roadmaps that turn dreams into companies." All this time I've been going to hotels to sleep and steal toiletries, when I could have been creating companies? I wish I had discovered AC by Marriott back when I was young and ambitious enough to be starting new companies. The experience: AC is one of Marriott's boutique brands. At its core it's still a business hotel, the type people stay at to collect and cash-in points. But it's also not a bad hotel for non-business travelers. A whole crop of these have sprung up in the area (there are now five). It's modern, spacious, the staff is friendly, and the common spaces are comfortable in the event you're feeling cramped in your room. I stayed at the AC in the Ink Block, which was great for going out in the South End. The design of the space is cool, but not so trend-driven that it would scare off Marriott regulars. Coffee maker in room: Yes Breakfast included: Not included, but from what I saw when I walked by on my way to Blackbird Donuts, it looked very European. Room service: "We replaced room service with the flexibility of a quick snack or evening tapas plates." So that's a no. On-site dining: Yes. There's the AC Lounge and Kitchen, which serves the aforementioned craft cocktails and small plates. Minibar: There was no minibar, but there was a refrigerator in the room. Gym: A score for fitness-crazed millennials (please pardon the rampant stereotyping). The gym is large and well-equipped. I looked for an excuse not to work out, but couldn't find one. Parking: Valet parking is $49 a night. Theft-worthy toiletries? Hotel brand toiletries, that I left behind at the hotel. Published rate: Rooms start at $299 a night. What I paid: $162. Worth the stay? If you're looking for a solid, reliable place to sleep, this is it. I scored an insanely low rate through my favorite booking app (called Hotel Tonight), so I felt as if it was a tremendous value. My bed was comfortable, the hotel was quiet, and the room still had that lovely new hotel smell. 225 Albany St., 617-646-9063, www.achotelsboston.com . This is one story in our new series called Help Desk, in which Globe writers seek answers to some of the many questions life poses — especially life in this particular part of the world. Christopher Muther can be reached at muther@globe.com. Follow him on Twitter @Chris_Muther. Digital Access Home Delivery Gift Subscriptions Log In Manage My Account Customer Service Help & FAQs Globe Newsroom Advertise Newsletters View the ePaper Order Back Issues News in Education Search the Archives Privacy Policy Terms of Service Terms of Purchase Work at Boston Globe Media
Pengertian Butler – Bentuk pelayanan yang diberikan oleh pihak hotel kepada tamu yang menginap sebenarnya bisa langsung kita rasakan sejak kita tiba di Hotel. Ini merupakan bentuk terobosan baru dalam dunia perhotelan dalam rangka meningkatkan pelayanan dengan menghadirkan seorang butler service yang terbagi dalam beberapa divisi. Nah, untuk mengetahui lebih jelas apa saja tugas dan mengapa posisi butler service attendant penting bagi hotel simak ulasan dibawah ini. Daftar Isi
Secara etimologi kata "butler" berasal dari Bahasa Inggris Tengah yakni "Boteler" dan Bahasa Prancis yaitu "Bouteillier" yang artinya pembawa botol. Sedangkan menurut para ahli kata butler bisa diartikan seperti berikut. Berdasarkan beberapa pengertian tersebut maka bisa dikatakan butler adalah seorang pelayan atau asisten personal ketika tamu menginap di hotel, namun pelayanan seperti ini biasanya hanya bisa di dapatkan di resort mewah ataupun hotel berbintang. Pada mulanya, Istilah butler ini berawal di negara barat tepatnya di Britania Raya dan jajahannya pada abad 17-18 yang mengarah pada sebutan untuk pelayan senior rumah tangga yang terdiri dari beberapa pria dan wanita di rumah-rumah mewah. Adapun tugas seorang butler kala itu tidak hanya mengurus segala keperluan rumah tangga, tapi juga mengatur keuangan pemilik rumah. Seragam yang dikenakan juga terlihat lebih rapi dari sekedar pembantu rumah biasa. Jadi tidak heran jika seorang butler pada masa itu juga kerap ikut hadir menemani majikan mereka dalam menghadiri acara khusus bak seorang asisten pribadi. Namun sejak perang dunia I, posisi jabatan butler terus mengalami penurunan yang signifikan sampai puncaknya pada perang dunia II jumlah butler di negara-negara Eropa bersisa 30.000 dan terus bertahan hingga pertengahan 1980-an. Kenapa butler penting bagi hotel? seperti yang telah disebutkan sebelumnya, ranah butler ini meliputi 3 bagian dimana masing-masing bagian tersebut yang secara umum memiliki penjabaran tugas seperti berikut : Front Office Departmen Housekeeping Department Food & Beverage Department Prosedur pelayanan butler kepada para tamu yang menginap sebenarnya sudah ada SOP yang ditetapkan. Bagi seorang hotelier tentunya wajib mengentahui SOP Butler Service mulai dari sebelum kedatangan, check-in, selama menginap sampai dengan tamu check-out seperti berikut ini : Untuk menjadi seorang butler service, maka ada sedikit persyaratan yang dibutuhkan namun menyesuaikan dengan kriteria yang dibutuhkan hotel. Secara umum persayaratan tersebut yaitu : Berbicara mengenai gaji butler service hotel attendant tentunya tiap hotel tidaklah sama, dan disetiap kota juga berbeda. Hal ini tentu saja sangat berpengaruh dengan seberapa besar hotel tempat dia bekerja dan dimana lokasi hotel tersebut. Namun untuk pandangan, gaji seorang butler service di kota besar ada di kisaran Rp 3.150.000 – Rp. 5.000.000.
Jadi itulah seputar pengetahuan dalam dunia butler service attendant yang perlu untuk Anda ketahui. Bagi Anda yang ingin menjadi seorang personal butler service telah ada berbagai macam kursusan yang menawarkan pelatihan di bidang ini. Semoga bermanfaat!
A downtown Boston hotel that had been home to a restaurant owned by one of the region’s best-known chefs is shutting down this week.
The Boston Hospitality and Tourism Industry Blog is reporting that the Ames Boston Hotel on Court Street is closing tomorrow (Tuesday, September 24) as the property is being sold to Suffolk University. As mentioned in an earlier Boston Globe article, the plan is to convert the property into dorms, though Adam Castiglioni’s blog post mentions that those plans apparently still need to be approved by the city.
The Ames Hotel is where Cultivar had been until closing early this year; the upscale restaurant opened in the spring of 2017, with Mary Dumont (formerly of Harvest in Cambridge) and her wife Emily being behind it.
Home » Latest News Articles » News » Historic Ames Boston Hotel joins Curio – A Collection by Hilton BOSTON, MA & MCLEAN, VA – Hilton Worldwide today announced the signing of the historic Ames Boston Hotel to Curio – A Collection by Hilton. BOSTON, MA & MCLEAN, VA – Hilton Worldwide today announced the signing of the historic Ames Boston Hotel to Curio – A Collection by Hilton. Curio's global set of distinctive upscale and luxury hotels is hand-picked for travelers seeking local discovery and authentic experiences. Ames Boston Hotel, Curio Collection by Hilton is slated to join the collection in July 2016. Constructed in 1893, the hotel resides in the iconic Ames Building, which held the title of Boston's tallest building until 1915 and is still widely referred to as Boston's "original skyscraper." Once erected, the building contained the headquarters of the Ames Shovel and Tool Co, founded by regarded industrialist and Massachusetts Congressman, Oakes Ames, and later housed the headquarters for other notable Bostonians, including former Mayor Thomas Menino. Owned by Ames Investor, LLC and managed by Gemstone Hotels & Resorts, the hotel is slated to undergo a multi-million dollar renovation over several months, which will include exciting changes to the lobby, on-site restaurant, meeting and event spaces, and guest rooms.
"We are excited to partner with the great teams at Ames Hotel Investor, LLC and Gemstone Hotels & Resorts to bring Curio Collection to Downton Boston and become a part of the Ames Building's rich 133-year history," said Matt Wehling, Senior Vice President, Development – North America, Hilton Worldwide. "The Ames Boston Hotel will be a wonderful addition to the collection, providing a dynamic mix of authentic Boston history and innovative features." Named to the National Register of Historic Places, the Ames Boston Hotel is located just steps away from the Freedom Trail and is uniquely situated near many of Boston's most beloved landmarks, including the Old State House, Faneuil Hall and Beacon Hill. Its historical significance spans beyond the city's limits, as the hotel is currently the world's tallest masonry load bearing-wall structure. "We're thrilled to bring the next chapter in the Ames Boston Hotel's book to life by partnering with Hilton Worldwide," said Scott Grigelevich, Director of Sales & Marketing for Ames Boston Hotel. "Together, we will be able to offer travelers a unique experience – truly reflective of Boston – that combines rich history and distinctive lifestyle amenities with unparalleled hospitality." The Ames Building underwent extensive renovations in 2007 to create the luxury boutique hotel featuring lodging and conference facilities, which opened in 2009. Today, the 114-room Ames Boston Hotel merges the past, present and future, offering a blend of modern style and old-world sophistication in the form of Romanesque arched windows, decorative fireplaces, an original tiled mosaic ceiling and marble staircase, complemented by inventive design interpretations. Just two miles from Boston's Logan International Airport, the 15-story hotel offers views over the city's downtown Financial District and nearby attractions, including Boston Common, the Waterfront, North End and the Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Greenway. "This is our first Curio hotel not only in Boston, but in Massachusetts, and we've made sure that we chose a hotel that combines modern-day elegance with old world charm to truly represent the area," said Dianna Vaughan, Senior Vice President and Global Head, Curio – A Collection by Hilton and DoubleTree by Hilton. "Boston is one of the most vibrant and innovative cities in the country, and the Ames Boston Hotel offers travelers an opportunity to immerse themselves in its rich history and tradition."
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