Hampton Inn Cincinnati Riverfront

October 1, 2014 By

timothyharmonGuest service makes or breaks a hotel,” according to Beth Wuestefeld, GM at the Hampton Inn Cincinnati Riverfront in Covington, Kentucky.

She backs up her statement by pointing out that the vast majority of hotel properties offer the same set of basic amenities, including a comfortable bed, an adequate bathroom, all set in a clean room, and so on.

So to Wuestefeld, service is key. “Service is the deal-breaker that brings back our repeat guests,” she claimed. “While we do have a beautiful product, we host many guests, traveling for both business and leisure, who tell us they stay with us because they feel at home with our staff.”

Another event that brings people to the Hampton Inn Covington location is the Flying Pig Marathon race every May. Past winners have stayed at Wuestefeld’s hotel, and the staff delights in the fun of it all. “We make a big deal out of it, including offering breakfast-on-the-go bags for runners early in the morning. But our favorite is clapping and cheering for every one of our runners as they return to the hotel.”

As to mindset in the guest services area, team members are encouraged and expected to take matters into their own hands when they see an opportunity to “wow” a guest, said Wuestefeld. One example she gave was of a couple celebrating their anniversary while passing through the area. They mentioned this to the agent at check-in, went out to dinner, and on their return, discovered a bottle of champagne chilling in their room. There were no prompts or approvals; just a customer-service-driven employee observing and reacting to the opportunity to do something special for guests.

Another example was an unhappy little boy who really wanted chocolate milk for breakfast. The hotel did not have chocolate milk in the breakfast mix at that time, so after overhearing the little boy with his parents, the attendant ran to the nearby convenience store and bought chocolate milk. Needless to say, the parents were elated with the service, and their little one had chocolate milk each morning of his stay.

Kudos to the entire staff at Hampton Inn Cincinnati Riverfront for an approach to service that has them flying high in guest satisfaction, year after year.

Filed Under: Hotel Of The Month

Ultimate Air Shuttle is flying more Chicago round trips

October 1, 2014 By

Ultimate-Air

Chi-ca-go, Chi-ca-go—that toddlin’ town is more accessible than ever! That’s via Ultimate Air Shuttle out of CVG (Greater Cincinnati) and Lunken airports. As of July, Ultimate Air began offering ten flights per week to Chicago’s Midway airport, five from CVG and five from Lunken.
If you travel and have not yet had occasion to use Ultimate Air Shuttle, you may be in for a wonderful surprise. You may think you’d choke at the price of round-trip VIP jet service to places such as New York/New Jersey, Charlotte, or Chicago, as noted in the lead to this feature. That’s the surprise, and it’s a pleasant one, price-wise.

There are several reasons why it makes good economic sense to choose Ultimate Air Shuttle over flying commercial with one of the “big” carriers when flying to those cities and back again. Time management and convenience are at the top of the list of reasons. Arrive at any of the Ultimate Air Shuttle’s facilities only 15 minutes ahead of takeoff—not two hours ahead. Enjoy free parking only steps from Ultimate Air’s facilities. No long lines to haltingly thread your way through, no belts or shoes to remove, and no mad dashes through the airport because you were stalled behind an unexpectedly large crowd at a security checkpoint.

Another factor involves a”added” costs, since you face none of those “hidden” costs of flying commercial. What about bags? At Ultimate Air, your bags fly free, and that includes those golf clubs or that canister with the tradeshow booth graphics in it. You don’t have to get a tape measure and see if the bag’s dimensions total 62 inches or any other crazy “gotcha” stipulation.

Snacks on the flight? Yes, and again, free: and this includes everything, from muffins with coffee and juice in the morning, to a cheese/meat plate and beer or wine on the flight home. Beats the stuffing out of a small cup of soda over ice and a few pretzels or peanuts, doesn’t it?

Plus, the flight attendant wants to be of service and provide for your comfort and satisfaction while in flight. And if you arrive early at your departure point, the Ultimate Air lounge features plush couches, free coffee, newspapers and more, all focused on providing comfort and relaxation for the busy business traveler.

So, what the flying public has in Ultimate Air Shuttle is VIP service with none of the hassle or cost add-ons of flying commercial. During October through November 26, the fare is $399 for round-trip Chicago flights out of CVG. That fare price includes free parking at CVG, no baggage fees, all applicable taxes and transportation fees, and free in-flight snacks and drinks.

Along with expanded service to Chicago, Ultimate Air recently added Friday service to Charlotte, North Carolina. The new additions are part of an expansion that includes another Mercedes van to accommodate Ultimate Air passengers who park at Lunken or CVG, and utilize both airports for their departures and arrivals.

For Rick Pawlak, managing director of Ultimate Air Shuttle, based in Cincinnati, the formula for success is a simple one. “We provide exceptional customer service to those who choose to fly with us and we save our customers time,” he said.
Ultimate Air Shuttle offers the flying public VIP jet service with convenience, time management, and amenities that set the carrier apart from the commercial industry, all at an affordable cost. Try Ultimate Air Shuttle, and we at Key magazine are betting you’ll never want to fly commercial again. See more at www.ultimateairshuttle.com.

Filed Under: Cover Story

Window World focus on quality, community

September 1, 2014 By

businessofthemonth9-2014Did you know that Window World is the largest remodeler and window replacement company in the world? That according to John Oslica, head of the franchise here in the Greater Cincinnati area. When you choose Window World, be prepared to feel good about your purchase for many reasons.

Beyond the statistical fact of sales volume, there is much more to know about this U.S. Company, with more than 200 locations nationwide. First, the deal: Oslica promises the lowest price, guaranteed, and a warranty that includes glass breakage and labor for as long as you own the windows. Plus, the warranty is transferrable to a second owner, should you sell your home.

“Our windows are the best product at the best price with the best guarantee on the market,” Oslica said. “I don’t care whose product we go up against, ours is better. We’ll do heat tests and cold tests, whatever measure you want, and we’ll (Window World’s product) come out on top.”

As evidence of superiority in the window market, Oslica pointed to the Good Housekeeping® seal of approval, which Window World products have received for seven years in a row. Also, the company received the prestigious J.D. Power award for customer satisfaction the past two years running. To his point, Oslica said any window maker can “buy” award status, but a company can only earn the two he touts.

So, good windows, doors, vinyl siding and gutters, but there is more. “We are about more than just selling windows and our other products. It is critical to our company—both locally and nationally—to give back to the community. We are linked up with St. Jude’s Hospital (in Memphis, and for children), and we raise money through customers (sales), store owners and employees, and donate 100 percent of the money to St. Jude, with no administrative costs,” he said

Also, using the corporate jet, the company participates in Veterans Airlift Command, a service that flies wounded U.S. veterans and their families across the country for free. “Our private corporate plane has flown the second-most missions of any corporation in the United States to help these service men and women get the care they need, without having to go through the TSA screening at airports.”

Locally, Window World is working with both the Epilepsy Foundation and the Aubrey Rose Foundation to raise money through sales and fundraisers. “We work hard at this, and within the company there is a deep commitment to help others that is as strong as the focus on bringing a good product to the market,” Oslica said.

Filed Under: Business Of The Month

Food + Wine Classic puts Cincinnati on the culinary map

September 1, 2014 By

chiefs-1-9-2014Who doesn’t know the Best-Kept-Secrets description used by travel gurus? As a September visitor to Greater Cincinnati, you are squarely in position to participate in a best-kept-secret of delicious and spectacular proportions.

This “secret” has a name: The Cincinnati Food & Wine Classic. The dates: September 12-13. The place: scattered, but primarily in downtown Cincinnati’s Washington Park, a city-block-large and beautifully rustic spot in Over-the-Rhine. The focus: Cincinnati’s restaurant, bar and wine scene, long established and also burgeoning, yet under-appreciated for its quality and depth.

“Cincinnati dining has been a flyover zone for the most part; not much national recognition,” said Courtney Tsitouris, co-founder of City Stories Company, and organizer of the first annual Cincinnati Food & Wine Classic. “We created this event to highlight the food scene in our area and bring national attention to a culinary tradition that holds its’ own with cities known for fine dining.”

She’s alluding to The Big Apple, Chicago, LA, and other metros of prominence in the fork and knife department. The national buzz will be provided by the likes of Andrew Knowlton, eats critique for Bon Appétit magazine; Keith Pandolfi, Senior editor at Saveur magazine; and Francis Lam, a writer focused on the hospitality industry, and also a Top Chef Masters judge. Inviting these foodie heavyweights is designed to tip the scales toward greater national recognition for a restaurant and bar scene that features outstanding performers.

“You can absolutely compare Orchids at the Palm Court (in the Netherland Hilton Hotel at 4th & Race Streets) to Daniel in New York City,” Tsitouris contends. “Todd Kelly (Orchid’s chef) offers dishes that are the same caliber of food as Daniel, but at a much more approachable price. And Kelly is just one of many chefs doing equally creative, imaginative, delicious cuisines in this city.”

The pantheon of chef stars featured in the event, and their extended bios, can be found at www.cincinnatifoodandwineclassic.com. Here, we’ll call attention to several who are leading the restaurant quality surge of the past 20 years or so, and are at the cutting edge of today’s dining craze.

In addition to the aforementioned Todd Kelly, some of the chefs include: Jean-Robert de Cavel of Jean-Robert’s Table, Daniel Wright of the Senate and Abigail Street, David Falk of Boca and Sotto, Paul Sturkey…Culinary Specialist of US Foods, Cristian Pietoso of Via Vite, Julie Francis of Nectar, Jose Salazar of Salazar, Michael Paley of Metropole at 21c Museum Hotel, Travis Maier of The Precinct, Steven Williams of Bouquet , Elias Leisring of Eli’s, Nick Marckwald of Hen in the Woods, David Cook of Daveed’s Next, Andrew Mersmann of La Poste, Jimmy Gibson of Jimmy G’s, Joel Molloy of Nicola’s, Renee Schuler of Eat Well, Paul Barraco of 20 Brix, Mike Florea of Maribelle’s, Joe West of The Palace in the Cincinnatian Hotel, Jackson Rouse of The Rookwood, Jean-Francois Flechet of Taste of Belgium, Michelle Brown of Jag’s and Adam Cobb of Enoteca Emilia.

chiefs-2-9-2014Friday Classic:
Celebration of Pork, Porkopolis
Nearly 200 years ago, circa 1835, Cincinnati had developed into a destination for hogs, and pork on the hoof came streaming in from farms in all directions for hundreds of miles round. So great was the influx of hogs to be slaughtered here that the city’s nickname became Porkopolis—hog capital of the world.

The Porkopolis heritage has been celebrated in Cincinnati lore for generations. Most notable may be the City’s Flying Pig Marathon, held annually and attracting thousands of runners the world over. Walk the City and you’ll come across the occasional “flying pig” statuary from past pig celebrations.

Hence, pork is on the menu for Day One of The Food & Wine Classic, to pay homage to Porkopolis. Friday’s Grand Tasting event will feature dishes using pork as the primary ingredient. Called Pork Chopped, selected chefs will go head-to-head competing for the best pork-inspired dish in the tasting tent in Washington Park.
Other Day-One events will include: Speakeasy in the City, where passwords get you in and everything from bathtub gin to boozy popsicles will be available; French Bohemian Rhapsody, at Jean-Robert’s Table, where a French cabaret dance party will break out; and Cocktails with a View from high atop 21c Museum Hotel, mingling with Chef Michael Paley and downing craft cocktails made by mixologist Catherine Manabat.

Saturday Classic: Best of the Best
Saturday’s Grand Tasting will feature more than 40 chefs, craft brewers and vintners, participating in a tasting trail that will salute Cincinnati’s fine-dine (and drink) history. As an attendee, you will bite, sip and sample your way through the Washington Park tasting tent. The evening Grand Tasting will be followed by late-night parties, from the Sake & Sliders party at Kaze to a Retrosonic bash recalling themes of the 50s and 60s.
Before all that takes place, there will be plenty of activity in and around the tasting tent. Start with the Rising Stars Brunch at Zula in Over-the-Rhine, where sous chefs and chefs de cuisine will whip up a by-the-bite brunch. Throughout the day, the tasting tent will be the site of demonstrations on veggie charcuterie, perfect pie crusts, sweet and savory tastings with Paul and Pam Sturkey, Ohio’s bounty of seasonal produce, meat mastery, great craft cocktail making, a goetta smack-down with chefs competing for the best goetta dish, secrets in sauce-making with Jean-Robert, wines of Spain, inspired Italian dishes with the Food Network’s Vic Vegas, sommelier blind-tasting competition, hog and hooch dishes for tasting, a bourbon tasting and seminar with Molly Wellmann, a chocolate tasting with Summer Genetti, and fig fancies using figs in treats that go well beyond Newton.

See you at Cincinnati Food & Wine Classic September 12-13!

Filed Under: Food & Entertainment of the Month

Garfield Suites Hotel offers more room for you

September 1, 2014 By

darrenschreiber-guestservicemanagerAs a visitor to Greater Cincinnati, you likely think the claim that “bigger is better” is accurate when suites in hotels are the subject of discussion. At Garfield Suites Hotel, you will find bigger suites, according to Darren Schreiber, guest service manager for the property. The hotel is located at 2 Garfield Place, fronting Vine Street in Cincinnati’s downtown grid. The hotel also features Café Martin, where breakfast, lunch, dinner and room service are offered.

The suites at the Garfield hotel tend to be significantly larger, he said, because each suite was built on the order of a residential apartment rather than just a hotel suite. The cumulative result is more square footage and larger rooms, as well as larger kitchen and bath areas. “We get a lot of guests here who comment on the added space they enjoy in our suites, and that’s to be expected since they are a lot roomier than what you find in the average suites hotel,” Schreiber said.

Schreiber and his front-desk staff cater to business and leisure travelers alike, and guests range from singles to couples and families. The focus at the front desk is to help every type of guest fully enjoy the stay and the visit to Greater Cincinnati.

He said one of the most appreciated services offered at the front desk is the courtesy shuttle provided by Garfield Suites Hotel to help guests needing a lift. The shuttle takes guests to downtown grid locations such as Great American ballpark, Paul Brown Stadium, The Banks and Over-The-Rhine entertainment districts, Findlay Market and the Union Terminal Museum Center. “Everybody likes the courtesy shuttle,” is the word from the front desk.
Trying to anticipate guest needs is central to the job at the front desk. “If a guest comes to us needing change for the hotel laundry, we’ll ask them if they need laundry soap and fabric softener sheets, and give them that as a courtesy,” he said. That kind of little extra may be why the Garfield Suites Hotel has been recipient of the Best Front Desk award offered by Cincy Magazine in area-wide competition.

Mostly, people come to the front desk wanting to know where to eat, according to Schreiber. Many more want good bar scenes, or places to take kids for special fun things to do, or good places to shop for special gifts.
“When we have information on places of interest that we can point out to guests, we do that, and they can make decisions based on that,” he said. “For us (at Garfield Suites), we are working to exceed guest expectations. If we do that, then they are going to be happy with us and with their visit.”

Filed Under: Hotel Of The Month

CiTiRAMA®: A showcase for urban living

September 1, 2014 By

coverstory-9-2014

CiTiRAMA is to established in-city neighborhoods what HOMERAMA® is to those more suburban, semi-rural areas—a collection of homes that showcase what is new and exciting for the urban dweller. Cincinnati’s bi-annual CiTiRAMA is at Witherby Meadows in College Hill, September 13-21.

CiTiRAMA Cincinnati-style is a bit more than these kinds of events have proven to be in other metro areas around the country, according to Dan Dressman, an official of the local Homebuilders Association. “This marks our 12th continuous event in partnership with the City of Cincinnati,” he said. “That’s the longest continuous streak by far of any city in the United States.”

CiTiRAMA in Cincinnati is held every two years, for the most part (back to back a few times since its inception), and has been a feature of the area since the mid 1990s. This years homes range in price from $239,000 – $289,000.

There is an attractive wild card for purchasers, dealt by the City of Cincinnati. The homebuyers receive a real estate tax abatement of 10, 12 or 15 years, depending on the home purchased. The land on which the home sits is taxed, but the improvement—the home value—is not taxed. This abatement can be as much as $78,000 in tax savings over the life of the arrangement, and it’s transferrable if the home is sold prior to expiration of the deal. The standard home receives a10-year abatement; a more easily accessible home obtains a 12-year deal; and a LEED energy-environment designed home gains the 15-year tax break.

“There has been a resurgence in urban living all across the country in recent years,” Dressman stated. “Our event gives people the opportunity to experience or get an idea of new-home ownership in an urban setting. And the city has been very aggressive in creating tax incentives to get people to relocate in the city. It’s a program that works for everybody.”

A prime reason for visiting this years’ CiTiRAMA is to see what is new: new in home construction, new in appliances and systems supporting the home, new in decorating and colors in vogue. “Each CiTiRAMA helps us show prospective homebuyers what the latest features and trends are in the new homebuilding market,” said Dressman.

In addition, there is a more important goal shared by homebuilders and the City. “We want to reintroduce people to urban lifestyles. Sometimes neighborhoods may be in decline and an infusion of new homes can help elevate them. That happened with our first CiTiRAMA in the Betts-Longworth area,” he said. In other cases, the new homes simply give people a reason for looking at an area they would not have considered if the CiTiRAMA experience did not encourage them to take a look.

No matter what your reason for attending, this years’ CiTiRAMA is waiting to show you it’s stuff. Food, snacks and beverages will be available. See you there!

Filed Under: Cover Story
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