Hotel Terrorism – Hotel Security: How to Keep Your Family Safe
July 4, 2011 by Dr. Joyce Starr
Filed under Hotel Security Rights, Radio Shows 2011, Security Rights, Topics & Guests
Hotel security: Is your family safe? Here’s what you need to know.
The recent terrorist attack on the Inter-Continental hotel in the Afghanistan is another reminder that hotels must be secure. You’re probably thinking that US hotels are quite safe. Don’t be so certain. While it’s unlikely that a group of terrorists will land on the roof of your hotel, what if they did? What plans, precautions has management taken to deal with hotel security emergencies of all kinds. Terrorist attacks? Fire? Evacuations?
I did an interview on this very topic with David Benton, Vice President and General Manager of the Rittenhouse Hotel in Philadelphia, following the terrorist attack on a hotel in India. Little has changed. The tips and insights that David provides should be filed under: Travel Safe!
Listen and learn.
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Visit the prior hotel security post:
Travel wisely and well,
Rittenhouse Hotel Royal-Tea: Visitors Treated like Royalty in Philadelphia
April 29, 2011 by Dr. Joyce Starr
Filed under Radio Shows 2011, Stress Reduction, Topics & Guests, Travel Right - Stress Less
The Rittenhouse Hotel is at it again: Named #1 Hotel in Philadelphia, #10 in the US, #52 in the World by Travel + Leisure, January 2011, the hotel brings joy to the hearts of guests, down to the tiniest tots.
I’m proud to say that I host and produce the Rittenhouse Review, the hotel’s very own radio show. (Click the blue box on the Rittenhouse home page that says Listen and Learn about upcoming events.)
The most recent episode – featuring the 5:30 am Royal Wedding breakfast – was so much fun that I want to share it with you.
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Rittenhouse Hotel Royal Breakfast
David Benton, Vice President and General Manager, and his creative staff, put the guest first – right where we belong, with a rich broth of ongoing events. Bravo. The Rittenhouse is a Philadelphia treasure, and Philadelphia is the best city on the East Coast to have an affordable, fantastic time.
Rittenhouse VP David Benton & Honorary British Consul General Oliver St. Clair Franklin, O.B.E
Frankly, listening to David recount current and ongoing events – in the city and hotel – makes me envious.
People can have an incredible experience for less than the cost of a good dinner in most cities – wine tastings, afternoon teas, fantastic museums (the amazing Cleopatra Exhibit selected Philly, as did King Tut), biggest flower show in the United States, food happenings every weekend and a duck boat that travels by land and sea.
David highlights the first National Museum of American Jewish History on Independence Mall, enjoyed by immigrants, children of immigrants and people of all ethnic backgrounds.
Related Rittenhouse Posts:
Hotel Security: India Hotel Attacks – Lessons Learned
RIGHTSRadio.com features hotel security in the aftermath of the hotel attacks in India. What will it take to improve hotel security? If you’re planning a vacation or any type of travel that involves a hotel, don’t miss my interview with the Rittenhouse Hotel Vice …
Rittenhouse Hotel: Diamond on Philadelphia’s Historic Rittenhouse Square
A guest-friendly hotel to the rescue for weary business travelers, holiday seekers and those who wanted to be treated like they really matter. I can’t stand the stagnant air, repetitive furniture and poor service of most hotels. Then I found the Rittenhouse Hotel (RittenhouseHotel.com), a diamond on Philadelphia’s beautiful Rittenhouse Square. On arriving, …
Rittenhouse Hotel: Diamond on Philadelphia’s Historic Rittenhouse Square
December 5, 2008 by Dr. Joyce Starr
Filed under Hotel Security Rights, Sponsors, Travel Security Rights
A guest-friendly hotel to the rescue for weary business travelers, holiday seekers and those who wanted to be treated like they really matter.
I can’t stand the stagnant air, repetitive furniture and poor service of most hotels.
Then I found the Rittenhouse Hotel (RittenhouseHotel.com), a diamond on Philadelphia’s beautiful Rittenhouse Square.
On arriving, I received a warm greeting from the hotel staff at the front door. Whisked to the reception desk, another cheerful staff member asked, “Would you like a glass of champagne, juice or cookie?” Why don’t all hotel offers start like this? What a nice way to welcome a guest! It immediately makes you feel right at home.
Giving me her fullest attention, the staff member treating me as if I mattered. She offered a quiet corner room on an upper floor, before I could ask if any were available. The corridors were quiet, even beckoning, with lovely carpeting and soft-colors.
My hotel room was breathtakingly spacious. The classic (and classy) furniture had character. One could almost sense drama – personal stories – in the stately, elegant wood.
The bathroom was luxurious, well-lit and serene. The king-sized bed was plush, yet firm, thus assuring me a good night’s sleep. And the tall windows could be opened if I wanted to breathe the outside air.
It went uphill from there. Dinner at the hotel’s Lacroix restaurant was the best meal I had in long memory.
The hotel staff was courteous above measure, helpful and…happy! Not the permanent plastic smile we’re all so accustomed to…but people who actually seemed to enjoy their work and appreciate hotel guests.The hotel pool and health club facilities and spa were so inviting that one could easily remain for hours.
And that’s how I happened to meet the hotel’s Vice President and General Manager, David G. Benton.
I was so moved by the hotel’s ambiance and service that I told the desk clerk I wanted to compliment the manager on his extraordinary hotel.
Much to my surprise, General Manager David Benton appeared and welcomed me into his office. Signed photos of former presidents, prime ministers and notables decorated his office walls.
Mr Benton was generous with his time, and treated me like a VIP. He instructed a secretary to hold his calls and didn’t glance at a Blackberry or computer screen while we spoke… a true gentleman.
No wonder the Rittenhouse was Pavoratti’s home away from home, with an entire suite decorated according to his tastes.
Or that Bruce Willis chose to stay at the Rittenhouse during the filming of a thriller. Or that former President George Bush Sr has been a frequent guest.
But here’s the best part: One doesn’t have to be Pavoratti or Bruce Willis to be treated like a star at the Rittenhouse.
After all, I found the light at the end of my personal hotel tunnel – the sparkling Rittenhouse jewel.
To a restful hotel stay!
Since this article was written, the Rittenhouse was named:
– #1 Hotel in Philadelphia, #10 in the US, #52 in the World,Travel + Leisure - Top 500 Hotels-January 2011;
- #1 Business Hotel in Philadelphia, #2 in the US and #10 in the World, Travel + Leisure, World’s Best Business Hotels-December 2010;
- Lacroix at the Rittenhouse named Forbes 4 Star 2011
You can phone the Rittenhouse at 800.635.1042 or 215.546.9000. They will be happy to hear from you. We now do a monthly Internet radio show for the hotel as well. Mention this page or the show (Live link on their home page) during your stay and receive a gift from the hotel.
Hotel Security: India Hotel Attacks – Lessons Learned
December 1, 2008 by Dr. Joyce Starr
Filed under Hotel Security Rights, Security Rights, Topics & Guests
RIGHTSRadio.com features hotel security in the aftermath of the hotel attacks in India. What will it take to improve hotel security?
TOPIC: US Hotel Security. Are You Safe? If you’re planning a vacation or any type of travel that involves a hotel, don’t miss my interview with the Rittenhouse Hotel Vice President and General Manager, David G. Benton.
Guest: David G. Benton, Vice President and General Manager of Philadelphia’s Rittenhouse Hotel & Condominium Residences – considered one of the finest small hotels in the world. The Rittenhouse Hotel has better security than the majority of small hotels. Find out why.
Mr. Benton earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Cornell’s School of Hotel Administration. He’s held executive hotel positions in the United States, England and Mexico and serves on numerous corporate and non-profit boards, including the Hero Scholarship Fund.
DATE: December 3, 2008 at 5:00 PM EST
Please read the overview that we posted prior to the program. David G. Benton provides invaluable insight on these critical questions and issues. Our Streaming Replay follows.
Hotels have an obligation to protect their guests. Can hotels be designed or redesigned to take security considerations into account? Full time security teams may not be able to stop an attack, but they could delay it long enough to lock up guest records, warn their guests and employees and alert authorities. How can terrorist activity be better recorded (hidden cameras)?
How can guests be warned that an attack is in progress? Security concerns can lead to escalating hotel stay costs. Should the guest pay a security fee? The Taj Mahal and Oberoi Trident attacks also have important implications for the protection and training of hotel employees, as well as hotel ties with external security forces.
Hotels should make blueprints available to external security forces. The question is: When? Before or during an attack? Security commando forces worldwide should be trained in “hotel terrorism,” which means there should be secure landing facilities on hotel roofs wherever possible.
What should hotels do about installing weapons and explosive detectors? According to BBC reports, “Commandos who fought early pitched battles with the gunmen in the two luxury hotels, the Taj Mahal and Oberoi Trident, say that the lithe attackers moved quickly from room to room and climbed up and down floors to throw them off tracks. The gunmen set fire to curtains and threw grenades to distract the commandos, according to federal commando chief JK Dutt.”
Hotel employees should be trained to detect weapons, explosives and terrorist scouts who try to case hotels months prior to an attack. If approached with security questions about the hotel, employees must report such inquiries, but to whom? What about multiple exits and high security suites?
The LIVE program date has passed. However, we offer STREAMING REPLAY below. Click the REPLAY button to hear the entire show in streaming audio.
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To your empowerment!
More about the Rittenhouse Hotel & Condominium Residences:
“Named one of the Worlds Best Places to Stay.” -Condé Nast Traveler
* July 2008 – Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards
* January 2008 Conde Nast Gold List
* January 2008 Travel + Leisure World’s Best Hotels
* January 2008 The Forbes Traveler 400
