Well, it has been a while since I have posted an entry. I wish I could say I was drinking fruity cocktails in the Caribbean, or visiting some exotic European boutique property to get some great service ideas...but I can't! All I can say is that we have been working hard on a variety of different elements to the guest experience. Here is some of what we have been working on in the last two months.

• We are working towards a mid to late September opening. The project is coming along nicely and we are finally seeing tangible progress! While there has always been progress, it is hard to get excited about seeing new copper pipes and electrical wiring! But walls are now going up, bathroom floors poured, bathroom floor tiles were lifted into the building, walls are being prepped (see Renovation Picture Diary).... We feel like we have turned a rather significant corner and are now heading full steam towards the finish line!
• As you can see, we have done away with the temp web site and have our new one up! I am very anxious to receive any and all feedback if you care to share. At the footer navigation, click on 'Contact Us' and then my name, John Maibach, and send me a note on what you like, don't like or any recommendations you may have. One visitor e-mailed us to say that he (or she) was unable to mute the music, so we will be making that change soon! Since you sent the information anonymously, thank you to whoever you are!!! By the way, the music gives you a very good feel for what our 'vibe' will be. Once open, we hope to be able to add a link to the home page so you can hear what is actually playing in our lobby at that moment!
• We continue to fine tune our repeat guest program, with benchmark stays being at 10, 20, 35 and 50 room nights with benefits including personalized welcome & turndown amenities, a stow-away program (leave your luggage behind for your next visit and we will even offer to have your items laundered or dry cleaned), a 72 hour room guarantee, monogrammed robes and Come-And-Go as you please (no check-in or check-out times). We will tailor your visit to your wants and needs as we are 'Intuitively Yours'!
• Some of our more creative offerings will include:
• Cold Plates- arriving late? Pre-order a lite meal for when you arrive and we will have it ready for you when you get in!
• Morning Power Hour- complimentary water, towels and granola bars for those fitness enthusiasts!
• Anything, Anytime- Forgot the curling iron? Need cuff links? Leave it to our Intuition Specialists and they will track it down and get it for you!
• MP3 Players- going on a jog and forgot the iPod? We will have an MP3 player for you pre-loaded with songs so you can enjoy your jog on the Esplanade!
• Games & Puzzles- want to relax with a cold beer or a glass of wine in our lobby lounge...and take on your significant other in a mean game of Monopoly? Just ask and we got the games and the beverages to do it...just bring your 'A' game and we will take care of the rest.

• Orders have been placed for many operational items- from bellcarts to iHomes (iPod docking stations). Now we know we are getting close!
• Finalizing other features such as our bathroom amenity line, uniforms, new bathroom terry line, coffee offering (both in our restaurant XHALE and complimentary in the lobby), and china, glass and silver lines.
• Finalizing a partnership with a local charitable foundation, which I hope to be able to share more information about in our next blog posting. Without mentioning the organization, they do great work with inner-city children ages 6 - 18 and it would be an honor to assist in their mission.

'Till next time....